Governors Island National Monument

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.

Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.

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.

Front of sandstone brick fort with arched entrance way.

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.

A park ranger talking to a group of visitors inside a large stone room in a fort.

Manhattan from Fort Jay

History frames our understanding of the present

Manhattan Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay

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

Canon and Manhattan Skyline from top of castle