Governors Island National Monument
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courtesy of the National Park Service |
Contact Information:
Governors Island National Monument
10 South Street - Battery Maritime Building Slip 7
New York, NY 10004
212-514-8296
Size: 23 acres
Location: Governors Island National Monument is located in Upper New York Harbor at the mouth of the East River, 0.5 mile from the southern tip of Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront. The island is about a five-minute boat ride from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Description: The monument is part of a larger 1985 National Historic Landmark District designation and contains two important historical objects: Castle William and Fort Jay. Between 1806 and 1811, these fortifications were constructed as part of the First and Second American Systems of Coastal Fortification to protect New York City from sea attack. Both Castle William and Fort Jay represent two of the finest types of defensive structure in use from the Renaissance to the American Civil War. The monument also played important roles in the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and World Wars I and II. During the past 200 years, Governors Island was managed by the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard but is no longer needed for military purposes.
Activities: Public access is limited to the summer season. Access, tours and ferry service will evolve from season to season over the next few years.History: Established on January 19, 2001; transferred to the National Park Service on January 31, 2003. The General Management Plan, to be completed by February 7, 2006, will provide a long-term strategy to address resource preservation and use, public programs, and activities. The planning process for the island is being led by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC). NPS is responsible for the monument and GIPEC is responsible for development of the rest of the island.
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