Historic Officers Row homes at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook, located within the Gateway National Recreation Area, are now available as vacation rentals. The National Park Service enabled the renovation of these homes to be completed in summer 2016. The former U.S. Army coastal defense post played a key role in protecting the entrance to New York Harbor and served as a proving ground for artillery during World War II. The property is surrounded by seven miles of beaches, nature trails, and the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse.