Deep within the forested northwest
sector called “The Cliff”, stands the
oldest building in the Park, Blockhouse
No.1 high upon the edge of a hill. Long
before Central Park existed, this rugged
stone fortress was built to defend the
cliffs in 1812. At one time it had a
sunken wooden roof with a revolving
turret for a cannon. Isolated and deserted,
it remains today as a roofless and securely
locked shell.
Many winding paths lead to the Blockhouse,
yet finding the building can still be
daunting even for the experienced traveler.
Due to its secluded vicinity, it is best to
travel there with a group and never alone.
Yet, a visit to this historic Blockhouse
is still a gratifying adventure.
The American flag flies at half-staff for
the victims of the American Embassy
terrorist bombing in Nairobi, Kenya of
August 9, 1998.
