NEW YORK – As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks its 250th Anniversary in 2025, the New York District proudly joins in celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence that began with the Continental Congress’ appointment of the first Army engineers on June 16, 1775.
Over two and a half centuries, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has embodied a dual mission—supporting national defense and meeting the civil works needs of the nation. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to modern-day disaster response, the New York District has stood at the center of that mission, shaping the infrastructure and security of the region.
One of the District’s earliest engineering accomplishments was the improvement of Hell Gate, a treacherous stretch of the East River that had long been a maritime hazard. In the 19th century, the District undertook massive rock removal operations to create safer navigation routes that enabled New York to thrive as a global port.
During the Civil War, the Corps fortified New York Harbor and built coastal defenses that remain an integral part of the region’s military history. The District also supported troop mobilization and logistics operations that were critical to Union efforts.
In the wake of national emergencies, the District’s resilience has been tested and proven time and again. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, New York District personnel were among the first to arrive at Ground Zero. They provided critical structural assessments and debris removal support—demonstrating the Corps’ commitment not just to rebuilding, but to healing. 
After Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, the New York District took the lead on emergency flood mitigation, restoring beaches, repairing critical infrastructure, and launching long-term coastal storm risk reduction projects from Coney Island to Montauk. These efforts continue to protect millions of residents and billions in infrastructure from future climate-driven disasters.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the New York District again answered the call—rapidly converting facilities into alternate care sites and assisting FEMA and local authorities with emergency response logistics throughout the region. At the height of the crisis, the District played a central role in transforming the Javits Center into one of the largest temporary hospitals in the country.
Today, over 84,000 Army Engineer Soldiers serve across active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units, while nearly 40,000 civilian professionals across USACE execute critical missions ranging from infrastructure resilience to environmental restoration. The New York District—among the Corps' oldest and most active—is proud to continue this legacy through projects that support national defense, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.
As the Corps celebrates 250 years of service, the New York District will participate in national and local events, honoring past achievements while embracing future challenges. From our earliest coastal fortifications to present-day climate resilience projects, the District remains a cornerstone of engineering excellence.
We continue to deliver for the people, the Army, and the nation.