Ellis Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
1. Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story Marker
The stones you see here reveal yet another layer of the story of Ellis Island. This is the story of Fort Gibson, one of the earliest forts built after the American Revolution to protect New York Harbor. Discovered during the excavations for the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, these remains of the walls of Fort Gibson bear witness to the nearly 100 years when Ellis Island was used to ward off enemies rather than to welcome immigrants.
Two forts stood on the site. The first was a crescent-shaped structure of wood and sod built in 1794 on the edge of what was then the island’s shoreline. The stone and brick walls unearthed here were constructed between 1807 and 1811, when the fort was rebuilt just before the War of 1812 broke out between the United States and Great Britain. The fort was armed with approximately thirteen cannons and garrisoned 182 soldiers. It was also used fifty years later by Union forces during the Civil War.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.
Location. 40° 41.941′ N, 74° 2.328′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Ellis Island. Marker is located on the north side of Ellis
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Gibson: Uncovering the Past (here, next to this marker); The American Immigrant Wall of Honor ® (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson: Ammunition to Immigration (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson: Oyster Banks to Batteries (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson: The New York Harbor System (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The American Immigrant Wall of Honor ® (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Indian Burials (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. A map on the marker depicts the current Ellis Island and indicates the shoreline in 1812 and the location of Fort Gibson on the island.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
2. Fort Gibson Marker (Left Side)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
3. Fort Gibson Marker (right side)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
4. Fort Gibson Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
5. Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story Marker
The stones that were the walls of Fort Gibson can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
6. Markers on Ellis Island
Two markers are found at this location. The Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story marker is seen here on the left.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
7. Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
8. Walls of Fort Gibson
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
9. Walls of Fort Gibson
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,776 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
