Governors Island National Monument

National Monument · NY · nps.gov page

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.Photo: NPS photo / Michael B. Shaver

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.

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News

  • A woman wearing a National Park Service uniform and glasses.
    National Park Service Selects Amy Sebring to Lead Manhattan Sites

    The National Park Service has selected Amy Sebring as the next superintendent of Manhattan Sites, a collection of nine national parks related to the American journey. Sebring has served as the acting superintendent since the beginning of February and succeeds long time superintendent Shirley McKinney, who retired at the start of the year.

Photos

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.Photo: NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch
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.Photo: NPS photo / Katherine Moscowitch
Manhattan Skyline stands behind the barracks of Fort Jay
History frames our understanding of the presentPhoto: NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby
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 backgroundPhoto: NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.