Park 2: Gateway NRA: Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Row of officers' quarters that overlook the water.

Catherine and Jason checking out
 one of the dilapidated buildings.

View of officers' quarters from across the field

5/13/12. For our second visit to a National Park, we (now including my brother) headed out to Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Park. We mostly visited the old military fort on the property, that was in operation from the late 1800's until the 1970's, and the visitors center, where we got more stamps for our passport. The fort was quite big, and we were surprised by all of the decrepit buildings. The officers' quarters along the shore were especially beautiful, it's a shame the homes haven't been kept up and are in such a bad state. We visited the the small house museum there, decorated in the style of the 1930's, with some information about the family that lived there. Mostly we had a blast theorizing about the old buildings and their function and what it must have been like 100 years ago.

We also met a park ranger who was great to talk to and very friendly! He showed us both the exhibit in the visitors center and in the house museum. The weather that day was just perfect, and it was so much fun! We could have maybe used some more time, but my graduation was in the afternoon, so we had to head back without seeing the lighthouse or spending any time at the beach. Still, a very successful day, I think!