National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Nice Fort, Colonel Williams.
Does it Work?


image of the fort at Governors Island


During the War of 1812, New York City had become one of the most heavily fortified cities in the country. Its plan of defense was designed by Colonel Jonathan Williams, engineer and first superintendent of West Point.

One of the newest fortifications was Castle Williams, a 4-tiered circular fortress made of red sandstone, and the first casemated fort of its type in the United States. It stood watch on Governors Island, midway between Manhattan Island and Brooklyn in the East River.

There was one question, however...

Would it Work?

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