Governors Island National Monument

One of our favorites. Last walk-in on the loop

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today, the island is a vibrant summer seasonal venue of art, culture, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world. The island is open to the public. Check Alerts

Fort Jay gate house and moat.

An early spring morning view of Fort Jay. The gate house is the oldest structure on Governors Island dating back to 1794.

View of Lower Manhattan from Castle Williams on Governors Island.

View of Lower Manhattan from the roof Castle Williams on Governors Island.

Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument

Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument was constructed in 1811 and was a pioneering design in American fortifications.

Civil War Artillery Demonstration at Governors Island National Monument

Part of Governors Island National Monument was the U.S. Army's New York Arsenal which took delivery, stored and distributed cannons, muskets and side arms from the 1830s to 1920.

Ranger guided tour of Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument

Ranger-led tours of Castle Williams show the pioneering features of fortification architecture that would be used in other masonry forts constructed in the 1800s.

Manhattan from Fort Jay

History frames our understanding of the present

Manhattan from Castle Williams

A civil war era canon sitting upon the top of Castle Williams juxtaposes the new and old, with the glimering shine of Manhattan in the background

RecAreaDirections

Governors Island is located in New York Harbor, 1/2 mile from the southern tip of Lower Manhattan and 400 yards west of the end of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue and Red Hook waterfront. It is accessible only via ferry. Ferry service from Manhattan is the main way to access the island. During the summer public access season, the ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, at South and Whitehall Streets (next to the Staten Island ferry terminal). Check www.govisland.com for ferry schedules.

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Governors Island National Monument Tours Ticket Facility

A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today, the island is a vibrant summer seasonal venue of art, culture, and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world. The island is open to the public, May 1st thru Oct 31st

Governors Island Facility

Governors Island National Monument has no formal visitor center, but park staff can be found at Castle Williams

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