Fort Putnam

Fort Putnam
Part of United States Military Academy
West Point, New York
The west wall and guns of Fort Putnam that face the Hudson River
Site information
Owner	United States Army
Controlled by	US Army
Open to the public	Late spring until mid-fall. Check with USMA Museum for access hours and dates
Condition	restored
Site history
Built	1778
Built by	Colonel Rufus Putnam
Battles/wars	Revolutionary War
Garrison information
Garrison	West Point

Fort Putnam was a military garrison during the Revolutionary War at West Point. Built by a regiment of Colonel Rufus Putnam's 5th Massachusetts Infantry, it was completed in 1778 with the purpose of supporting Fort Clinton, which sat on the edge of the Hudson River about a 3/4 of a mile away. The fort was rebuilt and enlarged in 1794 before falling into disuse and disrepair as the military garrison at West Point became obsolete in the early mid-19th century. It underwent a major preservation as a historical site in 1909, and has been continually in the process of preservation since. Sitting at an altitude of 500 feet above sea level, it was West Point's largest garrison during the Revolutionary War. The Fort is under the supervision of the West Point Museum Director, David M. Reel and is operated by the United States Army Garrison, West Point. Access to the Fort is seasonal and as summer staff are available. For additional information contact the West Point Museum at 845-938-3590.

• 
  A cannon facing northeast towards Constitution Island (left) and the Plain and Fort Clinton (right)
• 
  Information plate near the entrance