Declaring the Tract Surplus

By the mid-1970s, Fort Knox no longer needed the Fort Duffield tract for training or operations. The 172-acre parcel was declared surplus, opening the door for local ownership and public use.

“About 1978, the 172 acre tract was declared surplus and was deeded to the city of West Point for park purposes.”

Deeding to the City of West Point

The land was deeded to the City of West Point with the intent that it become a park. On paper, Fort Duffield had finally become a public resource. In practice, the hill remained largely untouched for more than a decade, waiting for a new generation to rediscover its significance.

Unrealized Potential

For years after the deed transfer, Fort Hill remained a place of trees, brush, and occasional local use. No formal trails, signage, or interpretation existed. The fort and cemetery were still hidden, but now the legal framework existed for the resurrection that would follow.

Official Deed Documents (1978)

Below are the original deed pages documenting the transfer of the 172‑acre Fort Duffield tract from the United States Army to the City of West Point for park purposes.