Governors Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Commanding Officer’s Quarters
Governors Island
This imposing residence is the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, also known as the Admiral’s House (after the most recent Coast Guard residents.) Built in the Greek revival style, it was completed in 1843. The house was designed by prominent New York architect Martin E. Thompson, who is best known locally for the design of The Arsenal in Central Park.
Throughout its occupancy, the building was home to the Island’s highest ranking officer and his family. Until 1966, that person was the Army commander. The commander was in charge of such notable commands as the Department of the East, the Second Corps Area and the First Army, which was first modern U.S. Army combat organization. After the 1966 transfer of the Island from Army to Coast Guard control, the house became the quarters of the admiral in command of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest command extending from the Caribbean to the Arctic.
The large residence is more than 12,000 square feet. It was formally furnished and often used by the commander in residence to entertain visiting dignitaries. Many of the original features remain, including the ornate mantelpieces and woodwork. Unique among the other buildings in the Governors Island Historic District, the interior has been designated historically significant.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 40° 41.421′ N, 74° 0.808′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. Marker can be reached from Barry Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in the Historic District of Governors Island. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nolan Park Stabilization (a few steps from this marker); The Dutch and Governors Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Nolan Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Governor’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Governors House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Governor’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); Governors Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Barry Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. An outline of the Commanding Officer’s Quarters appears on the background of the marker. Two photographs also appear at the upper right of the marker. One is an interior photo of the house showing the “Parlor in the Commanding Officer’s Quarters during the Coast Guard period.” The other shows “The residence before 1936 changes to the roof and porches.”
Also see . . .
1. Governors Island. New York Harbor Parks website. (Submitted on September 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Governors Island National Monument. National Park Service website. (Submitted on September 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. The 1843 Governor's Island "Admiral's House". "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 19, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.