Military
2
Before airplanes and missiles, the United States defended itself with fortifications along its coasts and harbors. In this harbor, a system of forts stood ready to protect New York, with nearly a dozen built before the War of 1812. Cannons in the forts combined to create a deadly, interlocking field of fire that could stop invading warships. In 1813, the City and Harbor of New York had been fortified at very great expense, with the forts mounting about 300 cannon and mortars that required 3,500 men to work them. The guns of Castle Williams, together with those of Forts Jay, Wood, Gibson, Clinton, and South Battery, created overlapping fields of fire.
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New York, New York · United States
