Governors Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Yankee Pier
Yankee Pier is one of six docks and piers on Governors Island. It was built to hold large Coast Guard cutters. Cutters are vessels that are at least 65 feet long and can accommodate a crew living on board.
The Y shape of the pier made it easier for the large vessels to back out into the narrow Buttermilk Channel. The word “Yankee” is the designation for “Y” in the military phonetic alphabet; hence, the name “Yankee Pier.”
During the Coast Guard era, part of Yankee Pier was damaged when a boat traveling up the Buttermilk Channel crashed into it. This portion of the pier became unusable and today only half of the pier is in working condition. The remaining portion is condemned and will be demolished in the future.
In 2009, the working leg of the pier was refurbished. The pier rehabilitation project included new lighting, fencing and fendering. Funding for these upgrades was made possible by the State of New York, the City of New York, and Borough President Scott Stringer. These critical improvements allow educational and historic vessels to land on the Island and provide programs for visitors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.
Location. 40° 41.209′ N, 74° 1.031′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. Marker is at the intersection of Craig Road and Division Road, on the left when traveling south on Craig Road. Marker is located on the east side 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. East (here, next to this marker); Project for the New American Century (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Jay Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Craig Road (about 400 feet away); Coast Guard Children (about 500 feet away); Polo on Governors Island (about 600 feet away); Division Road (about 600 feet away); Comfort Road (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . . Governors Island National Monument. National Park Service website. (Submitted on September 15, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 567 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on April 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.