If you have ever been to Sandy Hook or Fort Hancock around sunset, you know it is a great place to watch the colors dance across the sky – but if you don’t catch it at the right time, you may miss it! Lucky for New Jersey Photographer Brian Cunningham, he timed it perfectly and recently captured this fantastic display of deep purples, pinks, and yellows at Gateway National Recreation Area.
Brian admitted his luck when he said the sky was only like this for about 5-10 minutes while he captured the sunset alongside fellow photographer Tom Suau Jr.
The History of Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock is a former United States Army fort located in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. It was established in 1895 and named after Civil War hero Winfield Scott Hancock. The fort was a vital part of the coastal defense system of the United States, designed to protect the New York Harbor and the entrance to the Delaware River.
The fort’s original purpose was to defend the harbor against possible attacks by foreign navies. Still, it also protected the United States during World War I and World War II. During World War I, Fort Hancock was used as a training facility for troops before they were sent to Europe. During World War II, the fort was a coastal defense installation and a training center for anti-aircraft gunners.
Fort Hancock remained an active Army post until 1974 when it was decommissioned and turned over to the National Park Service. Today, the fort is part of the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area and is open to visitors. Many of the buildings have been preserved and restored, including the officers’ quarters, barracks, and gun batteries. The fort is also home to a museum that tells the story of its history and its role in defending the United States.
Sunsets At Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is known for its beautiful sunsets. Its location on a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean provides unobstructed views of the horizon, perfect for watching the sun dip below the water. Additionally, the park offers several vantage points to watch the sunset, including beaches, hiking trails and overlooks.
Despite being an East Coast State, New Jersey has some fantastic overlooks and sunset spots around the entire state. Lucky for you, we have the best ones listed and mapped for you to find and discover yourself.
