Fort Totten Park is named for the modernized Civil War fortress in which it resides. Initially designed by Captain Robert E. Lee in 1857, construction was completed in 1863. Along with its counterpart, Fort Schuyler, across the East River, Fort Totten was initially charged with defending the eastern approach to New York Harbor.

Soon after its completion, however, with the rapid advances made in fortification design by battlefield engineers and commanders fighting the Civil War in the South, Fort Totten became obsolete as a defensive structure, and its facilities were remanded to the position of casualty support and hospital care. After the war, the fort housed a number of different care and training facilities and installation test grounds for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. It was gifted to NYC Parks in 1987.

On this guided tour, visitors will see historic buildings dating from all eras of the fort's activation and learn about its past and current use.

This walking tour will take place on paved roads and sidewalks that are navigable in a wheelchair.

Masks while indoors strongly recommended.