A Park in New Jersey Boasts Breathtaking Vistas of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge, Making it Historically Significant.
Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, Fort Lee, New Jersey, is a charming town steeped in history and breathtaking views. Known for its role in the American Revolutionary War and the birthplace of America's early motion picture industry, Fort Lee offers a unique blend of history and scenic beauty.
One of the town's most notable landmarks is the George Washington Bridge, the world's busiest suspension bridge in terms of motor vehicles. Spanning the Hudson River, it links Upper Manhattan with Fort Lee, New Jersey, and serves as a symbol of the close connection between the two cities.
Fort Lee Historic Park, part of New Jersey's 12-mile-long Palisades Interstate Park, offers a prime vantage point for viewing the bridge. Located atop a cliff, the park provides a sweeping, elevated view of the George Washington Bridge, with its 604-foot steel towers rising over the buildings on the New York side. Visitors can enjoy the view from benches and coin-operated binoculars, watching the steady stream of traffic on the bridge.
The park is also rich in history, with cannon and mortar batteries looking out over the Hudson River, remnants of Fort Lee's role in the Revolutionary War. The visitor center contains exhibits about the fort's history, offering insights into its past.
The southern end of Fort Lee Historic Park features a reconstructed 18th-century encampment, complete with 18th-century huts, a well, woodshed, oven, and blockhouse. The encampment includes a firing step, where soldiers would have aimed their muskets.
Fort Lee's connection to the early motion picture industry is showcased at the Barrymore Film Center, which provides information about the town's role in the birth of America's movie business in the early 1900s.
The town's rich history and stunning views have made Fort Lee Historic Park a highly-rated destination on Tripadvisor, attracting visitors from far and wide. Sylvester Stallone, for example, chose Fort Lee as the location for his 1997 crime drama, "Cop Land," with the George Washington Bridge featured prominently in the movie.
Another fascinating connection to the George Washington Bridge is the term "cliffhanger," which originated from the serials shot on the steep New Jersey Palisades. The movie "Cliffhanger" paid homage to this history, further cementing Fort Lee's place in Hollywood lore.
In the 2010s, Fort Lee found itself at the centre of a political scandal known as Bridgegate, involving the politically motivated shutdown of toll access lanes for the George Washington Bridge. The governor of New Jersey during this time was Chris Christie.
Despite this controversy, Fort Lee continues to thrive, offering visitors a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and cinematic charm. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a movie enthusiast, Fort Lee Historic Park is a must-visit destination.
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