NEW YORK HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Battlegrounds of Central Park: Tracing Revolutionary skirmishes and War of 1812 defenses above 96th Street
A focused two-hour walk that uncovers hidden military sites, colonial roads, and a War of 1812 blockhouse most park visitors never see.
Battlegrounds of Central Park: Tracing Revolutionary skirmishes and War of 1812 defenses above 96th Street.
Step into history as you explore Central Park’s hidden military sites, colonial roads, and forgotten landmarks from the Revolution and the War of 1812, revealing stories most visitors never see.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Forgotten Revolutionary Battlefield
Visit the site where Colonel William Smallwood’s Maryland troops halted the British advance on September 15, 1776 — a little‑known skirmish that bought time for Washington’s retreating army.
The Oldest Building in Central Park
Uncover the War of 1812 blockhouse above the Harlem Meer — the park’s oldest surviving structure, built as part of earthworks meant to defend Manhattan.
A Lost Colonial Tavern and Reused Fortifications
Trace the route of the old Kingsbridge Road to the site of McGown’s Tavern and see fortifications reused across two wars, plus memorials to figures who reshaped the city.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
Over two hours you’ll follow the park’s northern reaches above 96th Street, moving from the entry near Fifth Avenue up through rocky passes, convent-era retaining walls, War of 1812 earthworks, and the secluded blockhouse above the Harlem Meer — a compact, layered stroll through military and urban history.
THE HISTORY
A Forgotten Revolutionary Battlefield
Visit the site where Colonel William Smallwood’s Maryland troops halted the British advance on September 15, 1776 — a little‑known skirmish that bought time for Washington’s retreating army.
THE LANDMARKS
The Oldest Building in Central Park
Uncover the War of 1812 blockhouse above the Harlem Meer — the park’s oldest surviving structure, built as part of earthworks meant to defend Manhattan.
THE ROUTE
A Lost Colonial Tavern and Reused Fortifications
Trace the route of the old Kingsbridge Road to the site of McGown’s Tavern and see fortifications reused across two wars, plus memorials to figures who reshaped the city.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two‑hour guided walk. Meet your guide at the entrance to Central Park on the southwest corner of 96th Street and Fifth Ave; please arrive 10 minutes early.
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
The tour ends at Central Park North and 7th Avenue.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately two hours.
Where do we meet the guide?
Meet your guide at the entrance to Central Park on the southwest corner of 96th Street and Fifth Avenue; please arrive 10 minutes early.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Will we see the Blockhouse?
Yes — the itinerary includes the War of 1812 blockhouse above the Harlem Meer, the oldest surviving structure in Central Park.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at Central Park North and 7th Avenue.