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

John Peter Zenger

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

1. John Peter Zenger Marker

Inscription. The renowned champion of the freedom of the press spent his first days in America on Governors Island. As a 13 year old boy he arrived in New York in 1710 with thousands of refugees from the Palatinate, who were quartered for a time on this island. In 1735, as publisher of the New York Weekly Journal, he won acquittal of libel charges in the historic court trial which marked the first major contribution to the cause of freedom of the press in America.
Erected by First United States Army, 14 October 1963

Erected 1963 by First United States Army.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1963.

Location. 40° 41.294′ N, 74° 0.92′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. It is on Evans Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on Governors Island, in front of the South Battery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New York NY 10004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Maj. General Hanson E. Ely Retirement (here, next to this marker); The South Battery (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The South Battery

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(a few steps from this marker); St. Cornelius Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Tower Carillon Chimes (within shouting distance of this marker); Oysters in the Harbor: A History (within shouting distance of this marker); Middens and Reefs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Buttermilk Channel and Brooklyn Waterfront (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. John Peter Zenger Trial. Account of the Zenger Trial from the Famous Trials website. (Submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. John Peter Zenger. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on April 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

2. John Peter Zenger Marker

Marker on Governors Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

3. Marker on Governors Island

The John Peter Zenger Trial image. Click for full size.

from Fine Art America, unknown

4. The John Peter Zenger Trial

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,396 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on April 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.