Historical Markers and War Memorials in Governors Island, New York
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On September 11, 2001 two hijacked planes were flown into the two towers of the World Trade Center. As the towers collapsed, nearly 3,000 people were killed. Today, this site – less than a mile from where the towers once stood – serves . . . — — Map (db m47036) HM
Named in memory of
Major General Thomas H. Barry, D.S.M.
Commanding General at this Headquarters
1912, 1913, 1914 and 1919
Erected by The Military Order of the World Wars
New York Chapter — — Map (db m168340) HM WM
Named in memory of
2nd Lieutenant Cyril Carder, D.S.C.
D Co. 16th Infantry
Killed in action in France
July 21, 1918
Erected by
The Military Order of the World Wars
New York Chapter — — Map (db m168001) HM WM
[ Side 1 ] A Place Worth ProtectingThe same waterways that connected New York City to the world made it vulnerable to naval attack. During the Revolutionary War, a British maritime force captured New York. In the early days of . . . — — Map (db m47020) HM
Welcome to Castle Williams. This stone fort was built in 1811 to defend New York City against naval assault. The attack never came. Over the next two hundred years, the once state-of-the-art fort was re-used: as housing for army recruits, as a . . . — — Map (db m47039) HM
With walls forty feet high and eight feet thick, this red sandstone bastion bristled with over one hundred cannon when it was completed in 1811. Named after its designer, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Williams, it has also been nicknamed the . . . — — Map (db m149131) HM
For the children of Coast Guard men and women, Governors Island provided ample opportunities for school and for play. The youngest child could attend the Childhood Development Center, located in today’s historic district, or daycare in Castle . . . — — Map (db m167928) HM
Governors Island was an extraordinary place to live for those Coast Guard employees and their families able to take advantage of the Island’s various housing options. While government housing was not guaranteed to all Coast Guard families, all . . . — — Map (db m167308) HM
Once known as Brick Row or Regimental Row and now as Colonels’ Row, the group of eight brick houses in front of you was built by the Army between 1893 and 1917. Although all were built to standard Army plans, slight variations over the years have . . . — — Map (db m47094) HM
This imposing residence is the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, also known as the Admiral’s House (after the most recent Coast Guard residents.) Built in the Greek revival style, it was completed in 1843. The house was designed by prominent New York . . . — — Map (db m47123) HM
Named in memory of
Lieutenant Colonel J.M Craig, D.S.C.
Headquarters, 16th Infantry
Killed in action in France
July 21, 1918
Erected by
The Military Order of the World Wars
New York Chapter — — Map (db m167964) HM WM
The majority of the 80 acre area in front of you beyond the fence is currently closed to the public due to safety concerns. All buildings on this southern portion of the Island are non-historic and not adaptable, since they are not built to New . . . — — Map (db m168202) HM
Named in honor of the 1st Division, U.S. Army Mexican War * Spanish American War Philippine Insurrection World War I * World War II Occupation of Germany — — Map (db m47065) HM
Beneath this site lie the remains of seven individuals believed to be early North American born colonists. The remains dated to the late Eighteenth to early Nineteenth Century were discovered approximately 100 feet Southwest of here during . . . — — Map (db m149134) HM
“During World Wars I and II, New York City and the Port of New York comprised the nation’s largest center of Coast Guard operations. Port Security specialists guarded the arrival and departure of millions of troops and thousands of tons of . . . — — Map (db m168151) HM WM
Ellis Island acted as an immigration station for the United States from 1892 to 1954. The 13.7 acre island is made up almost entirely of landfill, with the original island measuring only 3.3 acres. Prior to its expansion and its use as an . . . — — Map (db m167368) HM
The new Governors Island landfill was only just complete – a largely empty dust blown expanse of over 100 acres – when it gained fame for its role in the budding aviation industry. In 1909, the Hudson-Fulton Celebration took place to . . . — — Map (db m69794) HM
Constructed by the Phillipine (sic) American Society in cooperation with support Center New York Facilities Engineering Division and dedicated to the Governors Island community at the annual FilAm Barrio Fiesta on 29 July 1989 — — Map (db m167874) HM
This important example of military architecture is a dramatic reminder of the early defenses erected in New York Harbor to protect the City from invasion by sea. Like so many other early fortifications in this country, its star-shaped plan was . . . — — Map (db m47014) HM
Since the American Revolution, there have been three different fortifications at this location.
The first was hastily constructed in April 1776 when General George Washington ordered that earthen mounds and cannons be placed here to help protect . . . — — Map (db m168378) HM
Called by the Indians “Pagganck,” was purchased from two members of the Indian tribe of Manahatas named Carapetayne and Pehiwas by Wouter Van Twiller, a Governor and Director General of New Nether- land – June 16, 1637; The price . . . — — Map (db m47023) HM
Governors Island boasts a long military history and has played an important role in every major American military engagement since the Revolutionary War, including the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Gulf War. First . . . — — Map (db m47165) HM
This Greek revival style building was constructed in 1839 to serve as a post hospital. In its earliest configuration, the hospital consisted of two wards on the first floor and three smaller wards on the second. The basement contained offices, a . . . — — Map (db m47193) HM
The 2.2 mile road in front of you encircles the entire Island (sic). It was built in the early 20th century as a utilitarian road to get Army personnel around Governors Island. It was subsequently used by the Coast Guard for their personal and . . . — — Map (db m167247) HM
Before airplanes and missiles, the United States defended itself with fortifications along its coast and harbors. In this harbor a system of forts stood ready to protect New York; nearly a dozen were built before the War of 1812. Cannons in the . . . — — Map (db m47035) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m47029) HM
In 1902, Secretary of War Elihu Root asked the Prominent New York architectural firm of McKim, Meade & White to create a grand master plan for a new Army base on Governors Island. Part of Root’s vision was the expansion of the Island using . . . — — Map (db m47090) HM
To Maj. General Hanson E. Ely, upon the eve of his retirement. This tablet is dedicated with esteem and affection by the officers and enlisted men of the Sixteenth United States Infantry. The precedent for duty well performed established by these, . . . — — Map (db m147640) HM
The design and layout of Governors Island National Historic District owes much of its development to changing times and roles. From early Dutch settlement to its incarnations as a military base to the US Army and the Coast Guard, Governors Island . . . — — Map (db m47183) HM
In honor of the soldiers of
the United States First Army
who served in the
Meuse-Argonne Campaign
of World War I
September 26 - November 11, 1918
Dedicated August 11, 1958
— — Map (db m149089) HM WM
Oyster Middens, or piles of discarded shells, once littered the landscape of Manhattan and its neighboring shores, a testament to the astonishing abundance of the indigenous European Oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Archaeologists have . . . — — Map (db m149118) HM
in honor of Dennis E. Nolan Major General Commander of The United States First Army Governors Island, 1933-1936 Dedicated August 10, 1956 — — Map (db m147641) HM
Nolan Park includes the Island’s oldest structures, including the Governors and Commanding Officers Houses, each individually listed in the Nation Register of Historic Places.
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) . . . — — Map (db m168289) HM
This dock is named in honor of the First United States Army soldiers who landed in Normandy during the invasion of France in World War II Dedicated by First United States Army 6 June 1964 — — Map (db m149153) HM
Oyster reefs were once a key feature of the New York / New Jersey Harbor Estuary’s ecosystem. Oysters helped to feed New Amsterdam residents, particularly in winter when other foods were scarce. Oysters in fact remained the most common local street . . . — — Map (db m149117) HM
Constructed in 1934, Pershing Hall functioned continually as an Army and Coast Guard headquarters building until 1996. It was named in honor of John E. Pershing, General of the Armies and First Commander of the First Army in 1918. Pershing led all . . . — — Map (db m47195) HM
The area in front of you is known as Picnic Point. It was previously the site of ten, three story apartment buildings that were built in the 1980’s (sic) to house Coast Guard officers and their families. These buildings were too dilapidated for any . . . — — Map (db m167469) HM
One of the most popular pastimes for officers stationed on Governors Island was polo. It provided officers stationed here a unique recreational opportunity and provided a way to hone their riding skills. Polo was first introduced to the United . . . — — Map (db m47186) HM
Continue ahead to see Tue Greenfort’s Project for the New American Century. This site, called Brick Village, was part of a post-WWII residential community and is scheduled for demolition in the redevelopment of Governors Island. The words . . . — — Map (db m168084) HM
To commorate the purchase three hundred years ago of Governors Island by Wouter van Twiller, Director General of New Netherlands, from Cakapeteyno and Pehiwas of the Manahatas Tribe.
Birthplace of American Military Tactics which won for England a . . . — — Map (db m21158) HM
Chairman Gorbachev made his final preparations here before participating in the historic luncheon at Quarters 1 with President Reagan and Vice President Bush on 7 December 1988. During that time, he also composed his first communique to the . . . — — Map (db m148741) HM
Above your head is nearly three million square feet of historic roofs. More than sixty percent of these roofs are covered in historic slate. In 2008, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) undertook the repair of these . . . — — Map (db m47205) HM
Commemorating the heroic participation of the 16th U.S. Infantry Regiment from Governors Island in its victorious attack against German forces near Soissons, France July 18, 1918 in which action the regiment suffered 1,734 casualties, more than 57 . . . — — Map (db m149093) HM
“Throughout the nation’s history, the people and vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard and its forebears have departed from New York to fight for our nation’s freedom and protect its economic interests. During the War of 1812, the Revenue Cutter . . . — — Map (db m167531) HM
During the first seven decades of American military use of Governors Island, there was no post chapel. In 1844, a Columbia College Episcopal Reverend, John M. McVickar, was commissioned post chaplain. His tireless efforts, combined with the . . . — — Map (db m47160) HM
To honor the soldiers of the First United States Army who participated in the World War I offensive the St. Mihiel Salient, 12-16 September 1918, this dock is dedicated with the name of that great battle.
Erected by First United States Army
11 . . . — — Map (db m167811) HM WM
Staten Island is located five miles from lower Manhattan. With a population of 500,000, Staten Island is the least populated and most pastoral of the five boroughs of New York.
Some things you may not know about Staten Island:
• It is the . . . — — Map (db m167612) HM
On this site on July 3rd 1986, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan pressed a button sending a laser beam across the harbor, relighting and rededicating the newly restored Statue of Liberty in its centennial year and on July 4, 1986, presided as the . . . — — Map (db m167423) HM
In keeping with the American tradition that men will defend freedom with both ideas and arms, this plaque is presented to Fort Jay by the Association of the Alumni of Columbia College to memorialize the fact that in 1794 students and faculty of . . . — — Map (db m47019) HM
The design of this classic and austere Greek Revival building of the early 1840s is attributed to architect Martin E. Thompson. It is called the "Block House" because it was used for a time as a military prison. This stone-trimmed brick structure . . . — — Map (db m21154) HM
This view looks over the Buttermilk Channel to the Brooklyn waterfront, located only 400 yards away. Many theories surround the naming of this narrow waterway. In years past, the channel was much wider and shallower than it is today – before . . . — — Map (db m47109) HM
In the Coast Guard period from 1966 to 1996, Governors Island functioned as a self-sustaining independent village. Residents were able to take advantage of the offerings on the Island or take the ferry across to Manhattan.
In the Coast Guard . . . — — Map (db m167728) HM
The Dutch East India Company commissioned Henry Hudson to identify a northwest passage to the Indies. As a part of that effort, Hudson entered New York Bay on September 11, 1609 in his vessel The Half Moon and sailed up the river that now bears his . . . — — Map (db m47130) HM
Early aviation history was made here when these pioneers flew powered aircraft to and from this site between 1909—1916.
Wilbur Wright •
Lincoln Beachy •
Glenn H. Curtiss •
Eugene Ely •
Charles K. Hamilton • Hugh A. Robinson • Harry . . . — — Map (db m20975) HM
On Governors Island, a boat ride away from the activities of New York City, entertainment could be hard to come by. Nevertheless, performances were a part of life on the Island for many years. Early performances took place in an old YMCA building . . . — — Map (db m47189) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m47034) HM
The Governor’s House was constructed in 1813 as a guardhouse for the Island. Its location on a bluff overlooking Buttermilk Channel and the primary Island dock was ideally suited for this purpose. By 1824, it was used as the residence for the . . . — — Map (db m47126) HM
Believed to have been erected before 1708 Was used for many years as the home of the Provincial Governors of New York On this island was organized on December 25, 1757 the Loyal American Regiment 60th Foot commanded by Lord Jeffrey Amherst This . . . — — Map (db m47032) HM
In 1832, the US War Department moved the New York Arsenal to Governors Island. The arsenal was part of the Ordnance Department of the Army and was considered its own Army post, functioning separately from Fort Jay. The New York Arsenal did not . . . — — Map (db m47199) HM
To honor the memory of General of the Armies John J. Pershing First Commander of the United States First Army this tree was planted on the one hundredth anniversary of his birth 13 September 1960 — — Map (db m147674) HM
Erected during the War of 1812 to guard Buttermilk Channel. Used as a barracks for the fife and drum corps of the garrison from 1836 until the first officers’ mess was established here June 20, 1879. Reorganized as the Officers’ Club February 3, . . . — — Map (db m47022) HM
The South Battery, or Half-Moon Battery, was erected prior to the War of 1812, in concert with the construction of Castle Williams. A battery is a fortification equipped with artillery. This arrow-shaped fortification was built into the hillside . . . — — Map (db m47104) HM
More than 125 years ago, the people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United Sates in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. The proper name of the Statue is “Liberty Enlightening the . . . — — Map (db m167400) HM
“The Lighthouse Act of 1790 was sponsored by Alexander Hamilton and signed by George Washington at a time when the Federal Government capital was New York City. On the New York and New Jersey coastlines stand many historical lighthouses, . . . — — Map (db m47043) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m47202) HM
