Governors Island National Monument
The military communities on Governors Island were woven into the intricate social, political and economic tapestry that is New York City for more than two centuries. Governors Island stood as a silent sentinel in New York Harbor from 1776-1996 and provided protection for the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty across the Bay. From colonial outpost to regional administrative center for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, Governers Island is rich with American history.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Linda NealPhone Number: 212-825-3045
Sights: New York Harbor; Hudson River; East River; Fort Jay; Castle Williams
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 23.00Annual Visitation: 43,135 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :40.688620 / -74.019240 (map it)
State: NJ
Nearby Big City: New York, NJ
Gateway Communities: New York, NY
Nearby Airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA); John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
At A Glance Contact Information If you have any questions, the park would be glad to assist you in any way they can. Please call at 212-825-3045 -or- You can also write to them at: Governors Island National Monu ... read more.
History History & Culture Overview Governors Island lies a few hundred yards off the southern tip of Manhattan, at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers in New York Harbor. The island's fortifications ... read more.
In A Nutshell Getting Around Getting around on Governors Island: Governors Island is a walking island. Cars, motorcycles, etc. are not permitted. Bicycling is permitted in designated areas. Free bicycle m ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Where To Eat Wednesday - Friday Access: There will be no food or drinking water on the island on these days. We recommend that you carry two quarts (about 2 Liters) of water and a salty snac ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Accessibility The terrain on Governors Island is mostly flat and may be accessible to wheel chair users with assistance. As you disembark the ferry on Governors Island, there is an incline.& ... read more.
Preservation Student Employment Opportunities at Governors Island National Monument Spend the summer on an island in the middle of New York Harbor! A unique experience will be yours as a Park Guide with the Natio ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Our Partners The National Park Service's island partner is the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC). GIPEC is a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation and i ... read more.
Recent News
- Demolition Opens New York's Governor's Island for Public Park October 15, 2008, 9:26 am
Governors Island In Depth
News from the Parks
Light Pollution Harms Not Just Stargazers
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
Tourists Bite on ‘Twilight’ Vampire Tours of Forks, Washington
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
Crowds Observe World AIDS Day In GG Park
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
Grounded in God, Green and Glaciers
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Smokies' Formation Began 500 Million to 600 Million Years Ago
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
