Governors Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Castle Williams

Photographed By R. C., July 18, 2009

1. Castle Williams Marker

Inscription. With walls forty feet high and eight feet thick, this red sandstone bastion bristled with over one hundred cannon when it was completed in 1811. Named after its designer, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Williams, it has also been nicknamed the "Cheesebox" because of its circular shape. Castle Williams, with its twin fort Castle Clinton in the Battery, was built to guard the waterway between Governor's Island and New York City. Together, these forts provided such a formidable defense that the British fleet never attempted to attack New York City during the War of 1812. Today, it is under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard.

Erected 1976 by New York Community Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.

Location. 40° 41.557′ N, 74° 1.139′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. Marker is at the intersection of Hay Road and Andes Road on Hay Road. Located on the Northwest point of Governors Island off of Hay Road. 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. A different marker also named Castle Williams (a few steps from this marker); Governors Island

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Castle Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Early North American Colonist Remains (within shouting distance of this marker); Group Effort (within shouting distance of this marker); Across the Harbor: Remembering September 11th (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory Of Alexander Kidd (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Promenade (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Photographed By R. C.

2. Castle Williams Marker

Marker is on the Northeast corner of the castle near the bike rack.

Inside Castle Williams image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C.

3. Inside Castle Williams

Photographed By R. C.

4. Inside Castle Williams

Photographed By R. C.

5. Inside Castle Williams

Photographed By R. C.

6. Inside Castle Williams

Castle Williams image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. C.

7. Castle Williams

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,171 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on April 30, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 10, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.