• 16th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jay, New York City, 1938.

    Governors Island

    National Monument New York

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  • Governors Island closed July 4th

    The island will be closed on July 4th and no National Park Service tours or programs will take place that day. NPS weekday ranger tours and programs will still be offered on Wednesday, July 3rd and Friday July 5th.

  • Phone number change

    Hurricane Sandy destroyed the island's telephone connections to Manhattan. Our temporary information number for the park is now via cell phone at 646-241-2670. Other contact information can be found at www.nps.gov/gois/contacts. More »

A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. Today the island is vibrant summer seasonal venue of art, culture and performance against the backdrop of two centuries of military heritage and the skyline of one of the great cities of the world.

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Features

  • The Eagle at Fort Jay

    Conserving the Trophèe ďArmes at Fort Jay

    We’re working hard to conserve one of the oldest pieces of brownstone sculpture in America. Learn more here.

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  • Traveling Trunk

    Our Traveling Trunk makes history tangible!

    Packed with lesson plans, primary source materials, artifacts, movies, and more, the Trunk is an easy way to bring history to your classroom.

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  • Various social media platforms

    Join the conversation with us online

    Visit our Facebook page, flickr page, and Twitter feed and keep up with what we’re up to—and let us know what you’d like to see on the Island!

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  • A ranger gives a tour inside Castle Williams

    Student Employment Opportunities

    Students: Join our team for a summer!

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  • gois oral histories

    Stories from Governors Island

    Learn more about the stories of men and women who called Governors Island home while it was an active military base.

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  • Jonathan Williams, designer of Castle Williams

    Remembering the War of 1812: 200 Years Later

    Discover the history of Governors Island’s critical role in the defense of New York City 200 years after America’s second war for independence.

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  • An arched cell door inside Castle Williams

    Castle Williams, the sandstone fort that has stood watch over New York Harbor for over 200 years, will be open to the public this May.

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  • Castle Williams, 1863

    Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

    Learn more about the conflict that raged across America one and a half centuries ago, and how Governors Island played a role.

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  • Take a field trip to Governors Island!

    Take a field trip to Governors Island!

    From soldiers and prisoners to laundresses and spies, students will meet characters that helped make history during the Civil War on Governors Island!

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Did You Know?

Castle Williams

Castle Williams, named after its designer, Colonel Jonathan Williams upon its completion in 1811, was alternately known only as "The Tower."