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Governor's Island, NY Castle Williams

Jonathan Williams began construction of Castle Williams in 1807 and was completed in 1811 - It's a three level 100 gun casemate. It was the first casemated fort in North America. It was part of a larger system of forts such as Fort Wood, Fort Hamilton,and Castle Clinton protecting New York Harbor and New York City.

 

The northern half of Governor's Island is a National Register historic district #85002435. It's also a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Service runs Castle Williams and Fort Jay as a National Monument. The rest of Governor's Island is administered by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. The island is required by law to have no housing (which is a shame - I think the Presidio model works very well).

 

The island is open to visitors only on the weekends from spring through fall. If you're ever in New York City, I would highly recommend taking the free ferry over to the island and explore. You can even rent a bike on the island.

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Uploaded on February 25, 2009
Taken on October 3, 2008