Lower Level - Bastion A / "Dark Arch"

The original layout of Bastion a was an open courtyard with casemate walls similar in design and construction to Bastion C. It was arched over in the 1870’s to provide for new gun emplacements on the terreplein. The resulting space below became a sort of multi-purpose room for the fort. During the 1800’s It served as a drill hall, a wagon/ gun carriage shed, and a powder magazine. During World War 2 it was used as a recreation hall, motor pool, movie theater, two lane bowling alley and for limited company drills during bad weather. Along the outside wall you can find the loopholes for the 10-inch Rodman Cannon that were stationed here, you can also see the remnants of the arched traverses for the guns in the concrete. Upon enter the bastion, if you turn to the right you can enter the “dark tunnel” this takes its name because it is very nearly pitch black, a flashlight is recommended when exploring this area. This tunnel is a retro-fitted 1870’s access tunnel created by the arching over of Bastion A. It originally led to the flank howitzers in Bastion A. From the “dark tunnel” you can enter another room that is officially called the Accumulator Room. This room was also created by the arching over of Bastion A in the 1870’s. It was initially used to store gunpowder but the room is too damp. It was later used to store charged batteries call “Accumulators”. Today it is most commonly referred to as the “cold room” because the ambient temperature is noticeably colder than outside. This is a great place to rest and cool down during a hot summer day. Today this bastion takes center stage with visitors hoping to have an encounter with Fort Warren’s famous “Lady in Black”.