18 May 2026

The Road Builders and America’s Living Memorial

This Memorial Day carries added meaning. As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that remembrance is not only about looking back. It is about honoring sacrifice by building a country worthy of those who gave everything to defend it. For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, that history runs deep.

25 Mar 2026

250 Years of Engineering the Nation: New York District Looks Back and Builds Forward

As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this summer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is also reflecting on a milestone of its own. The Corps was founded on June 16, 1775, just two days after the Army itself, making it one of the nation’s oldest public institutions and one that has been tied to America’s growth, defense, and infrastructure from the very beginning.

14 Jan 2025

Looking Back at the Foundations of Apollo: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Road to the Moon

The Apollo 11 moon landing took place on July 20, 1969. The journey to that historic moment reveals the indispensable contributions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From building launch facilities to laying the groundwork for the Apollo program, the Corps played a critical role in the dawn of the United States' space age.

10 Oct 2024

The Conquest of Hell Gate: A Historic Feat in New York Harbor

In the late 19th century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertook one of the most ambitious and challenging engineering feats in American history—the removal of hazardous rocks from Hell Gate, a narrow and treacherous strait in the East River of New York. This critical waterway was a major route for maritime transportation but was notorious for its perilous conditions due to powerful tidal currents and submerged rocks that obstructed navigation.

2 Jul 2024

US Army Corps of Engineers Reflects on Its Historic Legacy This Independence Day

As the United States celebrates Independence Day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District takes this moment to reflect on its storied history and enduring mission to serve the nation through military engineering, construction, and civil works. The history of the USACE dates back to the American Revolution. On June 16, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the establishment of a "Chief Engineer for the Army," marking the beginning of the Corps' long-standing commitment to engineering excellence. Colonel Richard Gridley was appointed as the first Chief Engineer by General George Washington, tasked with constructing fortifications near Boston, including those at Bunker Hill.