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The War in America: Fort Lafayette, the Federal Bastille for political prisoners, 1862. Creator: Smyth
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The War in America: Fort Lafayette, the Federal Bastille for political prisoners, 1862. Creator: Smyth
The War in America: Fort Lafayette, the Federal Bastille for political prisoners, 1862. 'The traveller to America who enters the beautiful harbour of New York...will observe, on the right hand in passing the channel known as "The Narrows," a solitary fort on an island at some distance from the shore...Our Engraving is taken from the water, near Staten Island...For the last fifteen months Fort Lafayette (like its sister forts in the harbours of Boston and Baltimore) [had] been filled with political prisoners...On the 27th of November, little more than three weeks after the triumphs of the Democrats in New York, it took the opportunity of "Thanksgiving," which is annually celebrated throughout the North on that day...to order the liberation of all political prisoners in Forts Lafayette, Warren, MacHenry, and Delaware. On that morning the gloomy gates wore opened and the prisoners were set free without stipulation or condition. Fort Lafayette at present contains only its customary garrison for the defence of the channel, and it is to be hoped will never again be employed for any less legitimate purpose...The fort is not of great value as a means of defence, having been almost superseded in utility by Fort Hamilton...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 38078490
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American Civil War Fort Fortress Full Moon Lunar Moon New York Harbor New York Harbour New York United States Of America Penitentiary Political Prisoner Prison Prisoner Rowboat Rowing Boat Smyth Fort Lafayette Fortifications Political Prisoners
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the stark reality of The War in America: Fort Lafayette, known as the Federal Bastille for political prisoners, in 1862. Situated on a solitary island at a distance from the shore in New York's beautiful harbor, this imposing fort served as a place of confinement for political dissidents during a tumultuous period in American history.
The image depicts Fort Lafayette from the water near Staten Island, showcasing its formidable presence against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape. For over fifteen months, this fortress held numerous individuals deemed threats to the government, much like its counterparts in Boston and Baltimore.
However, on a significant day of "Thanksgiving" in November, all political prisoners were unexpectedly released without any conditions. The gates swung open to grant freedom to those who had been unjustly detained within its walls.
Today, Fort Lafayette stands as a reminder of past injustices and serves primarily as a garrison for defense purposes. Let us hope that it will never again be used for anything other than its intended purpose. This historical photograph offers viewers a glimpse into a dark chapter of American history while also highlighting moments of redemption and liberation.
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