Governors Island National Monument

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Bridge over dry moat leading into a gated fort.
An early spring morning view of Fort Jay. The gate house is the oldest structure on Governors Island dating back to 1794.
Front of sandstone brick fort with arched entrance way.
Castle Williams at Governors Island National Monument was constructed in 1811 and was a pioneering design in American fortifications.
A park ranger talking to a group of visitors inside a large stone room in a fort.
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 Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay
History frames our understanding of the present
Canon and Manhattan Skyline from top of castle
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
Photos: National Park Service

About Governors Island National Monument

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1996, continuing its legacy of national service. Today, Governors Island has transformed into a destination for art, culture, and public programs.

Quick Facts

State New York
Designation National Monument
State Code NY
Weather During the summer public access season from May to September, the weather is typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Thunderstorms can come quickly with short downpours. There may be extended periods…

Location & Map

Governors Island National Monument is located in New York.

Operating Hours

Fort Jay will be closed for the winter. It will re-open in April

Wednesday Closed
Monday Closed
Thursday Closed
Sunday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Activities

Biking Road Biking Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

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. 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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Governors Island, New York, NY, 10004-1921
Phone 2128253054
Email GOIS_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building American Revolution Forts Incarceration Jails and Prisons Maritime Coastal Defenses Maritime - Military Military US Army US Coast Guard Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War

Things To Do

Fort Jay self Guided Walk

Fort Jay self Guided Walk

A self-guided walking tours of one of the oldest Forts on Governors Island, open Mid-April until November, Fort Jay is…

One of the oldest structures on the island. Built in 1805. It is an example of Vauban fort design, with…

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