Built in 1887 with a budget of approximately $12,000, it was constructed using the popular balloon-frame construction style of the 19th century. The distinctive castle-like design of the building was based on the Corps’ Castle insignia that was adopted by the US Army Corps of Engineers and is still used to represent the Corps to this very day. Given that the architectural design pays direct tribute to the US Army Corps of Engineers, one would believe that the Corps had intended to stay and maintain operations in Fort Totten. However, in 1902, the Corps completed its relocation to Washington, D.C. after a reorganization within the Army.

Fort Totten and the Castle remained in use as an active military base through the first half of the 20th century and eventually became a NYC park, with the Parks Department acquiring Fort Totten for $1.00 in 1998. Throughout this transitional period, many buildings within Fort Totten suffered from disrepair and disuse and were targeted for demolition, with the Castle appearing on the list of buildings to be taken down. In order to prevent the destruction of the Castle, Former Senator Frank Padavan asked the Bayside Historical Society to restore the structure. With the assistance of Senator Padavan and New York State funding, Bayside Historical Society was able to physically restore the Castle and list it on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Bayside Historical Society remains caretaker of the Castle and operates a Museum and Archive inside. To learn more about the Castle, Bayside Historical Society, and upcoming events, please visit baysidehistoricalsociety.org for more information.