Governors Island

Aerial Photo of Governors Island Just five minutes from lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island is a world apart. The Island's rich history, green lawns, cool Island breezes and breathtaking Harbor views make it a spectacular destination for a summer's day.

Governors Island is New York's birthplace: the first European settlement when the Dutch established New Amsterdam in 1623. In 1776, Patriot cannons on the island helped General Washington preserve his battered army. After the revolution, the island was given at no cost to the Federal Government to provide for the defense of our fledgling nation. Star-shaped Fort Jay was completed by 1807. Together with Castle Williams, a massive, three-tiered masonry fort completed in 1811, this formidable structure helped New York escape the fiery fate of Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812.

Aerial Photo of Governors Island

The Island's 200-year history as an important military base is palpable when one walks in the Island's National Landmark Historic District. Lined with hundred-year-old shade trees and surrounded by spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, the Historic District features 19th century Federal and Victorian-style buildings and green, manicured grounds.

In January 2003, the Federal Government transferred the 172 acre Island to the City and State of New York and the National Park Service, concluding two centuries of restricted military use on the Island. Castle Williams, Fort Jay and their surrounding 22 acres are now Governors Island National Monument, a sister site to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The remaining 150 acres are owned by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) - a City - State partnership. GIPEC is committed to build about 90 acres of public parks and esplanades, creating a green setting for the New York Harbor School and other future tenants. A design competition has brought together five of the world's best park designers to start the process; a winner will be announced this summer.

Church on Governors Island

The Governors Island Alliance is working with our elected officials, the National Park Service, and GIPEC to make these plans real. Equally important, the Alliance is working to enliven the Island with a variety of recreation and arts programs so that we can enjoy this harbor destination today.

We invite you to join us. Please visit www.GovernorsIslandAlliance.org for more information about the Island and the Alliance.