Located in southwest Brooklyn in New York, Fort Hamilton is located on the spot where the first US cannons fired on a British transport ship hauling troops. Not much damage was done physically, but psychologically, it was the beginning of Fort Hamilton's existence. It served well during the war of 1812 for coastal defense. The first bricks for the fort were laid in 1825. Around the same time is when it became known as Fort Hamilton although it wasn't until the 20th century that it was officially named after Alexander Hamilton. Fort Hamilton became even more important during the Civil War and again during the two World Wars.
Today, Fort Hamilton houses the Harbor Defense Museum, which was set-up by the Army and did a lot to protect the area from demolition in the late 20th century. The army base is more of an officer's lounge area these days, but it still plays an important role in the history of the US Army. For this reason, many were glad when it was saved from destruction. Over the years private development has occurred in and around Fort Hamilton, but the spirit of the Army base remains alive and well.