Gateway National Recreation Area | WHY IS IT CALLED SANDY HOOK?

Example of the sandy soil and imported top soil at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area

Example of the sandy soil and imported top soil at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area


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FORT HANCOCK WALKING TOUR

Tour Stop 37: Why Is It Called Sandy Hook?

Stop #37 on the Fort Hancock Walking Tour points out that when Fort Hancock was built in the mid-1890s that the terrain was basically a beach. Topsoil had to be imported and placed over the sand to stabilize it and create an environment in which grass and trees could grow. In the photo above you can see that while grass and soil now dominate the grounds, sand is always lurking just below it.


Next Stop: New York Yankees | Previous Stop: Parade Ground

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Last updated on January 3, 2025
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