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

The Governor’s House

Designated Landmark New York City

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

1. The Governor’s House Marker

Inscription. Erected as a home for the British Colonial governors in pre-Revolutionary New York, this Georgian style residence is one of the very few 18th-century mansions to have survived in the City. It is thought to have been built for Lord Cornbury in 1708 and was often referred to as “The Smiling Garden of the Sovereigns of the Province.” According to legend, the house had an underground tunnel built during the Revolutionary War for escape in case of American invasion of the island. Today, the Governor’s House 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: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1708.

Location. 40° 41.454′ N, 74° 0.792′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is on Governors Island. Marker can be reached from Anders Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on Building 2 on 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. A different marker also named The Governors House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Governor’s House (a few steps from this marker); The Dutch and Governors Island

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Barry Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Nolan Park Stabilization (within shouting distance of this marker); Commanding Officer’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Pershing Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pershing Oak (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Also see . . .
1. History of Governors Island. The Trust for Governors Island website. (Submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. Governors Island National Monument. National Park Service website. (Submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

2. The Governor’s House Marker

The Governor’s House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

3. The Governor’s House

The marker can be seen on the front of the house.

Coast Guard Marker on the Governor’s House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 10, 2011

4. Coast Guard Marker on the Governor’s House

Commanding Officer
Coast Guard Support Center

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.