The military strategic importance of the exposed location at the mouth of the Elbe was already recognized at the beginning of the 19th century under the foreign rule of Napoleon. Around 50 years later, in 1867, the first plans to build various fortifications at this location were presented in Prussia. Even before the start of the French War, weak points in land defense against enemy warships entering the river mouths were already recognized here. For this reason, various artillery positions, anti-aircraft batteries and several mortar and cannon forts were built around Cuxhaven.