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Fort Massapequa is Revisited: John O'Halloran and Carlyle Smith
Fort Massapequa is Revisited: John O'Halloran and Carlyle Smith
(1953) 🧭
(1953) 🧭
Despite previous preservation efforts, the fort site faced a threat from proposed street plans that would bisect its outline, jeopardizing its protected status.
Rediscovery Efforts: Local preservationist John O'Halloran conducted crucial aerial surveys to accurately relocate the fort's embankment.
Expert Mapping: O'Halloran enlisted archaeologist Carlyle Smith (who had surveyed the site in 1938) to remap and document the boundaries, reinforcing the case for its protection.
Citizen Advocacy: A dedicated group of citizens, collaborating with local officials like John MacLean and George Peters, successfully halted a developer's plans to destroy the land, leading to the Town of Oyster Bay's decision to purchase the property for permanent preservation.
Simple Site Map
Simple Site Map
Composite map drawn in 1954 of Fort Massapeag's contour by Carlyle Smith based on a composite of Smith and Solecki Maps. Image courtesy of Garvies Point Museum.
John O’Halloran visits Fort Massapeag Burial site in 1980 on field trip with Dr. Ralph Solecki. Image courtesy The Queens Borough Public Library, Archives, Ralph Solecki Photographs.
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