Governors island
Governors Island offers an idyllic escape from the noise and hustle of the city. It is a place the entire family will enjoy exploring.
Governors Island is a little island situated in upper New York Harbour at the junction of the Hudson and East Rivers. It is about half a mile or roughly a 7 minute ferry ride from either Brooklyn leaving from pier 6 going across Buttermilk Channel or from the southern tip of Manhattan.
Things to See and Do
This historic island and National Monument offers so many fun things to do for the entire family. Play some free miniature golf, relax in one of 50 hammocks in hammock grove or gently rock in one of the comfy rocking chairs on the porches of the old buildings. There are children's hands on art programs, art exhibits, a flea market, a book store, and several historic brick buildings that were once homes belonging to commanding officers. These are open for you to walk in and look around. Old fortifications such as Castle Williams and Fort Jay give visitors a look at the area's military history. There are places to eat and drink and trails to enjoy walking along (with a free tour guide for those that wish). Rent or bring your own bike — you can enjoy 5 miles of safe cycling on this car free island. Go for some free kayaking or play beach games at the man-made sandy beach on the northern tip of the island. Or, you can just enjoy the beautiful views offered by the island such as the Statue of Liberty and other New York landmarks and of course the Manhattan skyline.
History
The 172 acre island was once called Paggank by the Native Americans of the Manhattan region which means : nut island, referring most likely to the abundance of nut trees found there.
In 1784 the island's current name was made official. This came from the British Colonial era, when the island was used exclusively for the British Royal Governors in the early days of the New York Colony. They used the island for several purposes including a summer residence but never a permanent one.
On Governors Island you will find historic buildings such as the Governors House and Admirals House. Fort Jay, a fortification built in 1794, has the original gate house topped with a sculpture of an eagle that is the oldest structure on the island. Viewed from above Fort Jay forms the shape of a star. Castle William built between 1807 and 1811 and made of red sandstone is the first American circular defence structure ever built. It stands proud on the west point of Governors island. Later during the War of 1812 the structure along with other installations proved to be powerful deterrents to the British Navy. During the Civil War, Castle William was first used to house newly recruited union solders and later it and Fort Jay were used as military prisons. Fort Jay was used for the captured officers, while Castle William held the Confederate prisoners and deserters from the union army.
From 1783 the island was a military army Post and in 1939-1966 Governors island became the headquarters of the U.S. First Army. Once it became a headquarters the officers were allowed to bring their family to the island to reside. In 1966 the Army left the island and it became a U.S Coast Guard base with their families joining them until 1996.
On January 19th 2001 Castle Williams and Fort Jay along with 22 acres on the island were proclaimed as the Governors Island National Monument. Castle Williams is reopened as a community center with a book store and theatre where you can go up to the roof and get a view of the Statue of Liberty. In 2003 the other 150 acre section was sold by the federal government to the city of New York to be used as an education and preservation. Governors Island Preservation & Education Corporation became the trust administered by the joint city-state.
Helpful Tip
On Saturdays and Sundays you can ride for free on the 10am, 11am and 11:30am ferries from Manhattan and on the 11am and 11:30am ferry from Brooklyn.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Governors Island, New York, NY 11231, USA
Governors Island National Monument Reviews
Rated out of 5
Had a good time with work friends experiencing the island and renting surrey's. I wish there were more to do on the island, and hope to see more improvement with all of the abandoned buildings, abandoned construction projects, and litter.
Sam Hernandez - 2 weeks ago
Always a great time at the 1920's Jazz Age Lawn Party!! The 2 bands, singers, dancers, and costumes give a fantastic vibe from another era. Our 3rd year and looking forward to next year.
Michael Moreschi Jr - a month ago
Get off at Whitehall Street - South Ferry Station, purchase a ferry ticket ($5, round trip) to Governors Island, and board the ferry that runs every 30 minutes. You will arrive at the island in 8 to 10 minutes. I was disappointed because the lavender field I had high expectations for was so small. Considering that construction is in progress here and there on the island, the future of the island is promising. I think there are still a lot of areas that need to be improved. There are ways to go around the island by walking, riding a city bike, or riding with a group of people and pedaling together. I think the island will be even more beautiful in the fall.
Hyekyung Kim - 2 weeks ago
A fun trip! The island is a historical spot with cool old buildings, and now has a ton of art collective places. There are events that go on, and interesting food and snacks. You have to pay for the ferry to get there, but other than that you can choose how expensive the excursion is.
It's definitely worth a visit if you've never been, I find it a relaxing break from the city. Be sure to read about it on their website for event details and history if that interests you, it's pretty cool.
cassy - 2 months ago
This is a great place to go to get away from the city for a little while. A lot of grass to sit on and relax. Sometimes there are events like music going on. A bunch of historical houses that you can go inside. A lot of history and awesome architecture.
Nicole - 4 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Ferry | 4 minutes |
| N or R | Whitehall Street | 5 minutes |
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 5 minutes |
How to get to Governors Island National Monument by Subway
Take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left into Battery Park or take the N or R train to Whitehall Street, head north toward Pearl Street, turn left on Bridge Street, follow path into park or take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head south on Broadway, turn right on Battery Place, turn left on Greenwich Street and continue into park.
Look for the Brooklyn Ferries wharf at the Battery Maritime Building which is just east of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
There are also ferries from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Governors Island Ferry Schedule
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Governors Island National Monument:
Photo Gallery
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Williams Castle on Governors Island cc licensed photo by Chris Ruvolo -
Historic Buildings on Governors Island cc licensed photo by Liana Kyle -
Governors Island Ferry Wharf cc licensed photo by Michael Pick -
Admirals House cc licensed photo by Edwardhblake -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: solomon254 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: solomon254 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: solomon254 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: solomon254 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: solomon254 - cc license via Flickr
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