Fort Cock Hill

 (1776-1783) - A Revolutionary War fortification established in 1776 in New York City, New York County, New York. Captured by the British in 1776 and held by them until 1783. Returned to Patriot control in 1783 with the British evacuation of New York City. Abandoned as a fortification in 1783 at the end of the war. Also known as Fort Cock's Hill, Fort Cox Hill, and New Battery.

History of Fort Cock Hill
A Revolutionary War fortification established in 1776 in New York City, New York County, New York. Captured by the British in 1776 and held by them until 1783.

Fort Cock Hill has been described differently in different sources. Most agree that it was a small earthworks somewhat poorly sited on the extreme southerly summit of the hill. The sources disagree on the shape and armament. Some sources describe it as a five-sided earthworks others as circular in construction. Most sources indicate that it was a two gun fort but at least one indicated that it held five iron cannons.

The Patriots manning Fort Cock Hill were driven from the fort by a division of British Hessians under Colonel Rall on 16 Nov 1776 and were forced to fall back to Fort Washington which fell later that same day. The British garrisoned the fort after the capture mostly with British Royal Artillery.

Described by George Washington, in an 1781 visual survey, as being nearly abandoned and in ruins. The fortification was returned to Patriot control in 1783 with the British evacuation of New York City. Abandoned as a fortification in 1783 at the end of the war.

Current Status
Said to be located at the extreme end of upper Bolton Road in line with 207th Street just south of Spuyten Duyvil Creek on Inwood Hill.

See Also:
 * Fort Washington
 * New York City Forts

Sources:
 * , page 599.
 * , page 610, 620.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Cock Hill
 * Wikipedia - Fort Cock Hill
 * New York State Military Museum - Fort Cock Hill
 * NYC Parks - Inwood Hill Park - Fort Cockhill
 * Flicker - Inwood Park]
 * Flickr