Fort Slocum’s military mission was its reason for existence, but from the 1870s onward it was also a home for the children of soldiers who were posted there. Until 1905, the post’s children attended a primary school on the island. Later they rode the ferry daily across to New Rochelle to attend schools in the city.

While their parents were busy with their military duties and household responsibilities, Fort Slocum’s children found things to do on their own around the post, just as they would in any town. The island-post was a place of endless adventure for its youth.

But there were also structured activities, organized and managed by adults, for the children and youth on the post. The basement of Raymond Hall (Building 57) had a rifle range and a hobby shop with youth programs (Building 117), and there were organized trips off the island to New York City and West Point, among other destinations.