Ellis Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
1. Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches Marker
The fort that stood here on Ellis Island was part of two defensive triangles which made it almost impossible for enemy ships to approach New York City. Any ship entering the upper harbor first had to pass the guns of Fort Wood on Liberty Island and then pass through the crossfire from Fort Gibson on the west and from Castle Williams on Governor’s Island to the east. In the unlikely event that a ship was able to slip through this gauntlet, it would then face an even greater challenge – passing through the second triangle, formed by Ellis Island, Governor’s Island, and the Battery of lower Manhattan. Within this second triangle, the farthest a ship could be at any time from the guns of one of these harbor defenses would be 1,000 yards. No enemy ever tried to penetrate this extraordinary defense system.
“It would be difficult to go into either the North or East River, without passing within point blank shot . . . of some one of them . . . it is not a very bold assertion to say that no ship that sails on the Ocean would engage on such terms.”
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Gibson: The New York Harbor System (here, next to this marker); The American Immigrant Wall of Honor ® (here, next to this marker); Fort Gibson: The Other Ellis Island Story (a few steps from this marker); Fort Gibson: Uncovering the Past (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); a different marker also named The American Immigrant Wall of Honor ® (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Indian Burials (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a map showing the forts of New York Harbor, and how they worked together as defensive triangles. These include Fort Wood on Liberty Island, Fort Gibson on Ellis Island, The Battery in Manhattan, and Castle Williams on Governor’s Island.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
2. Markers on Ellis Island
Two markers are found at this location. The Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches marker is seen here on th eleft.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
3. Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches Marker
The remains of Fort Gibson can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 7, 2011
4. Fort Gibson: Defending the Approaches Marker
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 523 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
