The Fort was founded the previous October to help protect New York from naval attack, and construction on the "Main Post" or garrison buildings (where the soldiers would live) began the following spring and summer. However, for various reasons, the buildings were not completed until AFTER the outbreak of the Spanish American War in the spring of 1898. Quarters 1 is part of the magnificent "Officer
s Row," one of the most visually stimulating pieces of military architecture anywhere in the world. Captain Arthur Murray, who designed the Fort, suggested that the Officer homes be put in a straight line, bordering the beach on the western side of the Sandy Hook peninsula, on Sandy Hook Bay. However, he also made one suggestion that broke with military tradition. Rather than have the homes face in towards the Parade Grounds and the Enlisted Men’s Barracks, he recommended that the Officer Homes be turned 180 degrees and face westward over Sandy Hook Bay, so that the Officers and their families could enjoy the breathtaking views of the Highlands, the Sandy Hook and Raritan Bays, and above all, some of the nicest sunsets seen anywhere in the world, right from their very own front porches. Not only was the location of the home chosen for officers, but the interior of the house reflected the hierarchy and class-system of the US Army Officer Corps at that time period as well. History House is a “Lieutenant’s Quarters,” and is designed for a 2nd or 1st Lieutenant, and his family. It is 4,500 square feet – not too shabby for a Junior Officer!! The home, laid out in the Victorian style for entertaining and socializing, features a beautiful large entrance foyer. To the left and right, are the spacious dining and sitting rooms. The Lieutenants office is located just off the dining room, and could be accessed by a private outdoor staircase, so that official business would not disturb the rest of the family. A large kitchen is located on the back of the home, and can be accessed through the foyer, or through a Butler’s Pantry which connects the kitchen and dining room. A beautiful grand staircase is the primary egress to the second floor. However, a Servant’s Staircase is also tucked away nearby. Although hard to imagine today, the Officers stationed at Fort Hancock could, indeed, have house servants if they could afford them. The second floor features several large bedrooms and a bathroom, all of which are centered around a large hall. The third floor was the Servant’s Quarters, and features two large bedrooms, several storage closets, and a bathroom. Fort Hancock saw its busiest time period during the 2nd World War, the busiest year of which was 1943, with several thousand troops on the Sandy Hook peninsula at all times. To reflect this, the home has been refurbished to its 1943 appearance. You will literally step back into time as you enter the home! Furthermore, History House's decor and displays change subtly with the seasons, and the home is decorated from top to bottom for the Holidays of 1943. Throughout the year, volunteer living historians portraying both personnel assigned to Fort Hancock as well as civilians, bringing the home to life with various displays and programs that showcase day to day life in the United States during the 1940s. To get to History House, follow Hartshorne Drive literally all the way into Fort Hancock - roughly 4.7 miles. When the road forks between Magruder Road and Hartshorne Drive at Guardian Park (you will see two large Nike Missiles as a monument, as well as a large sign that says "Fort Hancock Historic District"), stay to the left on Hartshorne Drive. History House is at the north end of Officer's Row. You can park behind History House, or at the Post Movie Theater, which is next door. History House, sadly, remains in a limbo following damage sustained by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. Although it was opened this past summer of 2015, it did so in a "display only" capacity, with no water, heat or electricity. However, plans are underway to have the home back "under her own steam" for the 2016 season. Please follow us and stay 'tooned for details!
