By Sophie Jane Evans With strong walls and heavy artillery, it was New York's last line of defence against the Germans during two world wars. But nearly 100 years after it was built, Fort Tilden has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary. The fort, situated in Gateway National Park on the Rockaway Peninsula, now features an array of brightly-coloured phrases and drawings on its walls, ceilings and floors. Scroll down for video Colourful: Nearly 100 years after it was built, Fort Tilden in New York has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary. Above, one of the fort's bunkers
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Established in 1917, Fort Tilden in New York borough of Queens protected U.S. military against the German Navy
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But nearly 100 years on, abandoned military base has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary
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While its buildings have become havens for local art groups, it surrounding beaches are popular with bird-watchers
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Karen Johnson, 56, who spent weekend photographing fort, deemed it a striking tribute to America's servicemen
'I can't speak for all @placeholder, but this New Yorker loves Fort Tilden,' she said.