Governors Island: Difference between revisions

The native [[Lenape]] originally referred to Governors Island as '''Paggank''' ("nut island") because of the area's rich collection of [[chestnut]], [[hickory]], and [[oak]] trees; it is believed that this space was originally used for seasonal foraging and hunting. The name was translated into the Dutch '''Noten Eylandt''', then [[Anglicisation|Anglicized]] into '''Nutten Island''', before being renamed '''Governor's Island''' by the late 18th century. The island's use as a military installation dates to 1776, during the [[American Revolutionary War]], when [[Continental Army]] troops raised defensive works on the island. From 1783 to 1966, the island was a [[United States Army]] post, serving mainly as a training ground for troops, though it also served as a strategic defense point during wartime. The island then served as a major [[United States Coast Guard]] installation until 1996. Following its decommissioning as a military base, there were several plans for redeveloping Governors Island. It was sold to the public for a nominal sum in 2003, and opened for public use in 2005.

 

 

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==History==

===Colonial period===

 

Governors Island was initially much smaller than it is today. It had many [[inlet]]s along its shoreline, and groves of [[hardwood]] trees, from which the island's native name is derived.<ref name="Novak p. 10">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=10}}</ref> There is insufficient evidence as to whether Governors Island contained any permanent Lenape settlements, or was used mainly for hunting and gathering.<ref name="Novak p. 9" /> In 1524, the explorer [[Giovanni da Verrazzano]] was perhaps the first European to observe what was then called ''Paggank''.<ref name="Boggs p. 2">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=2}}</ref> One hundred years later, in May 1624, Noten Eylandt was the landing place of the first settlers in [[New Netherland]]. They departed from [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Dutch Republic]] with the ship ''Nieu Nederlandt'' under the command of [[Cornelius Jacobsen May]] and disembarked on the island with thirty families in order to take possession of the New Netherland territory.<ref name="virtual">{{cite web |url=http://www.nyharborparks.org/explore-vtour-nat/virtual-new-amsterdam.html |title=The New Amsterdam Trail - A Virtual Tour |author=Mixit Productions |work=nyharborparks.org |access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> For this reason, the [[New York State Senate]] and [[New York State Assembly|Assembly]] recognize Governors Island as the birthplace of the state of New York, and also certify the island as the place on which the planting of the "legal-political guaranty of tolerance onto the North American continent" took place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tolerancepark.org/id5.html |title=GovIsland named NYS birthplace, Legislature agrees to legacy |work=tolerancepark.org |access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref>

The British started calling Nutten Island "Governor's Island" (with an apostrophe) in 1698 and reserved the island for the exclusive use of colonial governors.<ref name="Smith p. 25">{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=25}}</ref><ref name="Boggs p. 3" /><ref name="USCG pp. 15-16">{{harvnb|ps=.|United States Coast Guard|1973|pp=15–16}}</ref> Four years later, when [[Edward Hyde, 3rd Earl of Clarendon|Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury]] took office as New York colonial governor, he built a mansion on Governor's Island, though evidence of this mansion no longer exists.<ref name="Novak p. 10" /><ref name="Boggs p. 3" /> Later, governor [[William Cosby]] used the island as a preserve to breed and hunt [[pheasant]]s.<ref name="Novak p. 10" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=32}}</ref> Other governors leased out the island for profit,<ref name="Smith p. 25" /> and for a short period around 1710, Governor's Island was designated as a quarantine station for Palatine (German) refugees arriving from England on their way to Germantown on the Hudson. Otherwise, Governor's Island mostly remained untouched until the [[American Revolutionary War]] started in 1775.<ref name="Novak p. 10" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|pp=29–30}}</ref>

 

 

The first plans for fortifications on Governor's Island were made in 1741, in anticipation of a war with France, but the fortifications were never built.<ref name="Novak p. 11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=11}}</ref> The island was first used by a military encampment in 1755 during the [[French and Indian War]], when Sir [[William Pepperell]] led the [[Pepperrell's Regiment|51st Regiment of Foot]] onto Governor's Island.<ref name="Novak p. 11" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=4}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=33}}</ref><ref name="USCG p. 17">{{harvnb|ps=.|United States Coast Guard|1973|p=17}}</ref> Other regiments soon followed,<ref name="USCG p. 17" /> and by the mid-1760s, there was documentation of a fort on the island as well as several surrounding earthworks.<ref name="Novak p. 11" /> Further plans to improve the fortifications on Governor's Island were devised in 1766 by British military engineer [[John Montresor]].<ref name="Novak p. 12">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=12}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|pp=35–36}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/77693614/ |title=Designs for fortifying Governors Island near New York. |website=Library of Congress |access-date=May 19, 2019}}</ref> These plans were never realized, even though the British had asked for funding for these fortifications in 1774.<ref name="Novak p. 12" /><ref name="Novak p. 132" />

==== Late 18th century to War of 1812 ====

At the end of the Revolution, Governor's Island was transferred from the Crown to the state of New York. The island saw no military usage, instead being used as a hotel and racetrack.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 25" /> The quality of the fortifications, which were mostly made of earth, began to decline.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 25" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=16}}</ref> The name of Nutten Island was changed to "Governors Island" by act of the United States legislature on March 29, 1784.<ref name="Hough1885">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/historicalandst02murrgoog |title=Historical and Statistical Record of the University of the State of New York: During the Century from 1784 to 1884 |last=Hough |first=Franklin Benjamin |date=1885 |publisher=Weed, Parsons, printers |pages=[https://archive.org/details/historicalandst02murrgoog/page/n41 82]–83 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Smith p. 11" /> Governors Island was conveyed to the [[Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York|New York State Board of Regents]] in 1790 "for the encouragement of education ... unless needed for military purposes."<ref name="Smith p. 25" /><ref name="Hough1885" /> Little else is known about the island's use during this time.<ref name="Novak p. 30">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=30}}</ref>

By the mid-1790s, increased military tensions renewed an interest in fortifying New York Harbor, and a U.S. congressional committee had drawn a map of possible locations for the [[First System]] of fortifications to protect major American urban centers.<ref name="Novak p. 30" /><ref name="Boggs p. 9">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=9}}</ref><ref name="Smith p. 54">{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=54}}</ref> Governors Island was one of the first locations where defenses were built.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=32}}</ref> As such, the agreement with the Board of Regents was voided in 1794,<ref name="Smith p. 25" /><ref name="Hough1885" /> and some $250,000 in federal funding was allocated to the construction of defenses on Governors Island in 1794 and 1795.<ref name="Novak p. 30" /><ref name="Boggs p. 9" /><ref name="Smith p. 54" /> Fort Jay was built starting in 1794 on the site of the earlier Revolutionary War earthworks.<ref name="Smith p. 54" /><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 26">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=26}}</ref><ref name="USCG pp. 18-19" /> Work proceeded despite concerns that Fort Jay's low elevation made it vulnerable to being captured.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|pp=33–34}}</ref> Fort Jay, a square four-bastioned fort, was made of earthworks and timber, two impermanent materials that deteriorated soon after the threat of war went away, and by 1805 it had significantly degraded.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 26" /> Ownership of the island was transferred to the federal government on February 15, 1800.<ref name="Hough1885" /><ref name="Boggs pp. 10-11">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|pp=10–11}}</ref>

 

==== Mid-19th century and Civil War ====

After the War of 1812, the island did not see much development. Rather, it was used for garrisoning troops starting {{Circa|}} 1821.<ref name="Boggs p. 14">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=14}}</ref><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 14">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=14 (PDF p. 19)}}</ref> The troops garrisoned on the island were deployed to wars four times in the rest of the 19th century.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 15">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=15 (PDF p. 20)}}</ref> The New York Arsenal, a military division that dealt with [[artillery]] and was separate from the Army, moved to the island in 1832 and started constructing an armory building three years later.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=52}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xkUfkFB3jxYC&pg=PA233 |title=Fortress America: The Forts That Defended America, 1600 to the Present |last1=Kaufmann |first1=J. E. |last2=Kaufmann |first2=H. W. |date=September 10, 2007 |publisher=Hachette Books |isbn=9780306816345 |pages=233 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 35">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=35}}</ref><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 14" /> Construction of structures for the Arsenal continued for several decades. To distinguish the Arsenal's and the Army's structures, the former's buildings were designed in the [[Greek Revival architecture|Greek Revival]] style,<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 35" /><ref name="Novak p. 53">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=53}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=125}}</ref> such as the [[Admiral's House (Governors Island)|Admiral's House]] built in 1843.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 35" />

The Army still retained a military presence on the island, and in the 1830s, it constructed several new buildings, such as officers' barracks and a hospital.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 35" /><ref name="Novak p. 53" /> The Army also added masonry seawalls<ref name="Novak p. 54" /> and opened an "administrative and training center" starting from the 1850s.<ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /><ref name="Boggs p. 14" /><ref name="Novak p. 54">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=54}}</ref> The erection of the recruiting center and barracks resulted in the creation of Nolan Park, to the east for Fort Columbus.<ref name="Novak p. 54" /> Together with these changes, a grassy area was cleared between Fort Columbus and Castle Williams to allow better vantage points should defensive attacks be launched.<ref name="Novak p. 55">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=55}}</ref><ref name="Ruggiero2017">{{Cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/secrets-of-new-york/secrets-of-governors-island-1.8943951 |title=Governors Island is back for the season, secrets and all |last=Ruggiero |first=Nina |date=May 1, 2017 |website=am New York |language=en |access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref> Other Army structures included a [[muster (military)|muster]] station that operated throughout the [[Mexican–American War]] and [[American Civil War]],<ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /><ref name="USCG pp. 22-23">{{harvnb|ps=.|United States Coast Guard|1973|pp=22–23}}</ref> as well as a music school.<ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /> Still, most of the troops continued to live in tents.<ref name="Novak p. 54" /> To accommodate Army personnel's religious requirements, a small [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] chapel for [[Protestantism|Protestants]] was built on Governors Island in 1846.<ref name="Smith p. 130">{{harvnb|ps=.|Smith|1913|p=130}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 36">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=36}}</ref><ref name="USCG pp. 20-21" />

 

 

==== Expansion and World War I ====

The Army started planning to expand the island in the late 1880s and the 1890s. The U.S. Secretary of War, [[Elihu Root]], contemplated such an expansion so that the island would have enough space to accommodate a full battalion.<ref name="Novak p. 772" /><ref name="bde19010106">{{cite news |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50395481/ |title=Proposed Enlargement of Governors Island |date=January 6, 1901 |work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle |access-date=October 4, 2018 |page=6 |via=Brooklyn Public Library; newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> Using material excavated from the [[Early history of the IRT subway|first line]] of the [[New York City Subway]], the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Army Corps of Engineers]] added {{convert|4.787|e6yd3|m3}} of fill, extending Governors Island to the south.<ref name="Novak p. 772" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=5 (PDF p. 10)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chan |first=Sewell |title=An Elusive Island of Good Intentions |website=City Room |date=August 10, 2016 |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/an-elusive-island-of-good-intentions/ |access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref><ref name="bde19010106" /> The work was mostly finished by 1909-1910<ref name="Novak p. 78">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=78}}</ref><ref name="nyt19100515">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/05/15/archives/transformation-of-governors-island-picturesque-army-reservation.html |title=Transformation of Governors Island; Picturesque Army Reservation Doubled in Size. |date=May 15, 1910 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and was declared complete by January 1913.<ref name="USCG pp. 22-23" /> When the project was finished, it expanded the island's total area by {{convert|103|acre|km2|abbr=}}, to {{Convert|172|acre|km2|abbr=}}.<ref name="USCG pp. 22-23" /><ref name="gov-history">{{cite web |url=https://govisland.com/history |title=Governors Island History |work=Governors Island |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Boggs p. 16">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=16}}</ref>

 

 

==== Mid-20th century ====

In 1920, upon the end of World War I, the Army restructured its internal organization so that Governors Island was now the headquarters of the Second Corps Area.<ref name="Boggs p. 17">{{harvnb|ps=.|Boggs|1950|p=17}}</ref> Few structures were built immediately after the end of the war, though the Army maintained the existing buildings and continued to utilize the island as a military prison.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=103}}</ref> Some of the wooden barracks structures deteriorated rapidly, prompting objections from congressional delegations.<ref name="Novak p. 104">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=104}}</ref> A school for Army soldiers' children was opened on Governors Island in 1926.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/18/archives/school-for-soldiers-children-opens-on-governors-island.html |title=School for Soldiers' Children Opens on Governors Island |date=November 18, 1926 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

 

In 1927, General [[Hanson Edward Ely]] commenced a major program to build several mostly [[Georgian revival]] structures on Governors Island.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5" /> The new structures included a [[movie theater]], a [[YMCA]], an "officer's club", and a [[State school|public school]].<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5" /><ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /> The three-story Liggett Hall (also known as Building 400), a military barracks spanning nearly the entire width of the original island, was built on the site of former World War I warehouses, and was one of the world's largest barracks upon its completion in 1928.<ref name="Novak p. 104" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5" /><ref name="Ruggiero2017" /> Afterward, the Army hired [[McKim, Mead & White]] to build a "barracks district" near Liggett Hall.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|pp=107–108}}</ref> During the 1930s, the [[Works Progress Administration]] landscaped much of the island and reinforced many existing structures, hiring up to 5,000 workers in the process.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/11/archives/governors-island-to-be-renovated-1-000000-wpa-appropriation-also.html |title=Governors Island to be Renovated; $1 000,000 WPA Appropriation Also Will Be Used to Repair Other Posts in This Area |date=January 11, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=37}}</ref><ref name="Novak p. 107">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=107}}</ref> Some of the WPA's projects included the restoration of the General's House,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/08/07/archives/army-landmark-restored-by-wpa-residence-of-commanders-on-governors.html |title=Army Landmark Restored by WPA; Residence of Commanders on Governors Island Was Built 100 Years Ago |date=August 7, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as the eradication of invasive [[Japanese beetle]]s.<ref name="Novak p. 107" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/01/archives/wpa-assists-army-in-war-on-beetles-workers-bring-450gallon-spray-to.html |title=WPA Assists Army in War on Beetles; Workers Bring 450-Gallon Spray to Offensive Waged on Governors Island |date=May 1, 1938 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Army also incrementally repaved Governors Island's roads so they could accommodate modern vehicles, and constructed garages.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=105}}</ref>

 

An Army community developed on Governors Island during the mid-20th century.<ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /><ref name="Novak p. 106">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=106}}</ref> The island had three [[chapel]]s in addition to the movie theater, YMCA, and "officer's club".<ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /> Recreation was also popular; one common sport was [[polo]], a relic from the 19th century when travel on the island was by horseback. In 1920, a polo playing field was established on the island's Parade Ground.<ref name="Novak p. 106" /> Though a [[golf course]] had been built in 1903 near Fort Jay,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jyhV9qS1lPUC&q=governors+island+golf+course+1903&pg=PA60 |title=Governors Island |last1=Glen |first1=Susan L. |date=2006 |publisher=Arcadia Pub |isbn=0-7385-3895-7 |location=Charleston, SC |page=60 |access-date=February 13, 2019}}</ref> a new polo-and-golf course called the [[Governors Island Golf Course]] was built circa 1925–1926.<ref name="Novak p. 106" /> The course was located on the grounds of Fort Jay,<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/07/05/archives/fort-jay-golf-offers-weird-hazards-governors-island-links-a-fretful.html |title=Fort Jay Golf Offers Weird Hazards; Governors Island Links a Fretful Maze of Moats, Windows, Canteens and Other Distracting Visions |last=Livingston |first=Robert E. |date=July 5, 1925 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 23, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and was sometimes called the "world's crookedest" golf course due to its enclosed nature in a confined space.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thestrawfoot.com/2014/08/22/the-worlds-crookedest-golf-course/ |title=The world's crookedest golf course |last1=Muchowski |first1=Keith |date=August 14, 2014 |website=The Strawfoot |access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> [[Tennis court]]s and [[swimming pool]]s were also present on Governors Island. Different groupings of recreational areas were generally located according to military hierarchy.<ref name="Novak pp. 107-108">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=108}}</ref> The number of houses of worship increased as a [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] church was built in 1942, followed by a [[synagogue]] in 1959.<ref name="USCG pp. 22-23" />

 

 

==== Infrastructure ====

Prior to the construction of [[Floyd Bennett Field]] in Brooklyn in 1930, the island was considered as a site for a municipal airport. In 1927, U.S. Representative and future New York City mayor [[Fiorello La Guardia]] advocated for a commercial airport to be placed in Governors Island, since it was closer to Manhattan than the proposed site of Floyd Bennett Field.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1927/08/07/95016757.pdf |title=A Governors Island Airport Again is Urged – Representative LaGuardia Calls This Harbor Site Just Off the Battery the Logical Place for the Commercial Flying Station That New York Seeks |last=LaGuardia |first=Fiorello |date=August 7, 1927 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> A bill in the U.S. House to create a Governors Island airport was voted down.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1927/12/09/96683364.pdf |title=Acts on Governors Island – House Defeats LaGuardia – Cohen Motion Looking to Airport There |date=December 9, 1927 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> The island also hosted the Governors Island Army Airfield for some time after World War II until the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NY/Airfields_NY_NY_Brooklyn.htm |title=Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: New York City, Brooklyn |date=February 26, 2005 |website=[[Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields]] |access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref>

 

==== Decommissioning ====

In 1963, [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] Secretary [[Robert S. McNamara]] started studying the feasibility of closing redundant military installations, especially naval ship yards, in order to save money. The Department of Defense announced in May 1964 that it was considering closing Fort Jay, the [[Brooklyn Navy Yard]], and the [[Brooklyn Army Terminal]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/16/archives/brooklyn-moves-to-save-terminal-drafts-new-arguments-to-keep-big.html |title=Brooklyn Moves to Save Terminal – Drafts New Arguments to Keep Big Army Base |date=May 16, 1964 |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /> Despite protests from workers at the three facilities, McNamara announced that November that Fort Jay would be one of nearly a hundred military installations that would be closed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/20/archives/brooklyn-navy-yard-will-close-sweeping-cutbacks-also-include-ft-jay.html |title=Brooklyn Navy Yard Will Close; Sweeping Cutbacks Also Include Ft. Jay and Army Terminal Here; 33 States Listed – 63,000 Will Lose Jobs at 80 Bases in U.S. — Boston Spared |last=Raymond |first=Jack |date=November 20, 1964 |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 28, 2018 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201964%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520The%2520World%2520Telegram%2520and%2520Sun%25201964%2520b%2520-%25203196.pdf |title=U.S. to Close Navy Yard; $1 Billion Loss Seen Here |last=Knap |first=Ted |date=November 19, 1964 |work=New York World-Telegram |access-date=August 20, 2018 |pages=1 |via=Fultonhistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24647114/scuttle_brooklyn_navy_yard/ |title=Scuttle Brooklyn Navy Yard |date=November 20, 1964 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=October 18, 2018 |page=95 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In February 1965, the [[United States Coast Guard]] announced that it had asked for permission to move to Fort Jay in order to consolidate its facilities within New York City. The Coast Guard saw the island as an opportunity to consolidate and provide more facilities for its schools, and as a base for its regional and Atlantic Ocean operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/18/archives/coast-guard-asks-for-fort-jay-site-consolidation-of-facilities-in.html |title=Coast Guard Asks For Fort Jay Site; Consolidation of Facilities in City Area Is Planned for Governors Island |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=February 18, 1965 |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref>

 

=== Coast Guard operation ===

On December 31, 1965, the Army base was formally decommissioned and the installation became a Coast Guard base.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/01/archives/a-15gun-salute-signals-the-armys-departure-from-governors-island.html |title=A 15-Gun Salute Signals the Army's Departure From Governors Island |last=Johnston |first=Richard J.h. |date=January 1, 1966 |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) 2015" /> At that point, most of the World War II-era buildings on the island's southern tip were still standing.<ref name="Novak p. 1452">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=145}}</ref> The Coast Guard consolidated its operations at Governors Island, making the island the Coast Guard's largest installation.<ref name="Novak p. 1452" /> The island was used as a base of operations for the Atlantic Area Command and its regional Third District command.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=20 (PDF p. 25)}}</ref> By 1985, the island had a population of 4,000 personnel and 1,000 family members.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/29/nyregion/the-talk-of-governors-island-the-coast-guard-s-hideaway-in-the-harbor.html |title=The Talk of Governors Island; the Coast Guard's Hideaway in the Harbor |last=Joyce |first=Fay S. |date=March 29, 1985 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> It was also homeport for [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|U.S. Coast Guard cutters]],<ref name="nyt19720102">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/02/archives/best-of-two-worlds-on-governors-island.html |title=Best of Two Worlds On Governors Island |last=Johnston |first=Laurie |date=January 2, 1972 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> including [[USCGC Gallatin (WHEC-721)|USCGC ''Gallatin'' (WHEC-721)]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/07/archives/coast-guard-boasts-of-its-recruits-theyre-able-seaworthy-fern-ale.html |title=Coast Guard Boasts of Its Recruits: They're Able, Seaworthy, Fern ale |last=Breasted |first=Mary |date=December 7, 1977 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722)|USCGC ''Morgenthau'' (WHEC-722)]], and [[USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716)|USCGC ''Dallas'' (WHEC-716)]].<ref name="gig">{{Cite web |url=https://governorsislandguide.com/?p=743 |title=50th Anniversary of Coast Guard Change in Ownership |date=June 30, 2016 |website=Governors Island |language=en-US |access-date=May 24, 2019}}</ref>

 

The Coast Guard split the island's operations among seven divisions,<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|United States Coast Guard|1973|pp=30–31}}</ref> and began making various improvements such as adding a boat marina<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/27/archives/marina-planned-by-coast-guard-service-maps-projects-in-its-shift-to.html |title=Marina Planned By Coast Guard; Service Maps Projects in Its Shift to Governors Island |last=Bamberger |first=Werner |date=February 27, 1966 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the world's first search-and-rescue training school.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/16/archives/transport-news-rescue-training-coast-guard-opens-school-on.html |title=Transport News: Rescue Training; Coast Guard Opens School on Governors Island |date=October 16, 1966 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By 1972, the Coast Guard had opened some apartment blocks on the southern portion of Governors Island,<ref name="nyt19720102" /> which replaced the temporary World War II-era buildings on that site. The golf course and open space in the center of the island were preserved during this wave of development.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=146}}</ref> Liggett Hall was converted to classrooms, and other historic structures were preserved and restored.<ref name="gig" /> A community of Coast Guard members began to develop on the island, and it came to include a fire and police department, banks, stores, churches, an elementary school, a movie theater, a motel, a [[bowling alley]], and a [[Burger King]] fast-food restaurant.<ref name="nyt19951018">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/18/nyregion/on-an-oasis-in-new-york-harbor-a-bittersweet-salute.html |title=On an Oasis in New York Harbor, a Bittersweet Salute |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=October 18, 1995 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31877679/ |title=Island of tranquility in sea of unrest |last=Lewis |first=John |date=November 30, 1980 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=October 4, 2018 |page=654 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref><ref name="tjn19970920">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31877900/ |title=An island paradise no one wants |date=September 20, 1997 |work=The Journal-News |access-date=May 24, 2019 |location=White Plains, NY |page=23 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref><!-- A weekly newspaper called the Governors Island Gazette also operated on the island. -->

During this time, several notable events took place at Governors Island. During [[Liberty Weekend]] in 1986, President [[Ronald Reagan]] traveled to the island for a ceremony to relight the [[Statue of Liberty]] upon completion of the [[Conservation-restoration of the Statue of Liberty|statue's restoration]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/05/nyregion/for-ronald-reagan-the-ceremonies-stir-pride-and-patriotism.html |title=For Ronald Reagan, the Ceremonies Stir Pride and Patriotism |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |date=July 5, 1986 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-03-mn-882-story.html |title='Party of the Century' : Liberty Bash Unfolds in Superlative Fashion |date=July 3, 1986 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0458-3035}}</ref> On December 8, 1988, Reagan and President-elect [[George H. W. Bush|George Bush]] met with Soviet leader [[Mikhail Gorbachev]] on the island, in Reagan's last [[List of Soviet Union–United States summits|U.S.-Soviet summit]] as president.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2018-12-07/reagan-gorbachev-bush-governors-island |title=Reagan, Gorbachev and Bush at Governors Island {{!}} National Security Archive|website=nsarchive.gwu.edu|access-date=May 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/12/08/good-feeling-all-around-at-gorbachev-reagan-bush-luncheon/9af1bbef-9f77-4f35-b244-5958c038765f/ |title=Good Feeling All Around At Gorbachev-Reagan-Bush Luncheon |last1=Cannon |first1=Lou |last2=Oberdorfer |first2=Don |date=December 8, 1988 |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/12/04/Governors-Island-tight-little-island-for-Reagan-Gorbachev-meeting/7916597214800/ |title=Governors Island: tight little island for Reagan-Gorbachev meeting |date=December 4, 1988 |website=UPI |language=en |access-date=May 24, 2019}}</ref> In July 1993, the United Nations held discussions between [[Haiti]]an political leaders at the South Battery, which resulted in the Governors Island Accord being signed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://carl.army.mil/resources/csi/kretchik/appendixd.asp |title=Governors Island Accord |access-date=January 20, 2010 |date=July 3, 1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722182231/http://carl.army.mil/resources/csi/kretchik/appendixd.asp |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-04-mn-9957-story.html |title=Haiti Rivals Sign Pact to Restore Aristide to Power : Caribbean: Under intense international pressure, hesitant president joins army chief in approving U.N. accord. Deal would return the ousted leader by Oct. 30. |date=July 4, 1993 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0458-3035}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1993/07/04/aristide-officer-sign-haiti-pact/b5f988f3-3855-4bb6-a39f-4e34f4805a7d/ |title=Aristide, Officer Sign Haiti Pact |last=Preston |first=Julia |date=July 4, 1993 |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref> The Coast Guard era also coincided with two landmark designations. On February 4, 1985, a {{convert|92|acre|m2|abbr=|adj=on}} portion of Governors Island was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref name="nhlsum2">{{cite web |url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1904&ResourceType=District |title=Governors Island |date=September 11, 2007 |work=National Historic Landmark summary listing |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 5, 2005 |archive-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314185745/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1904&ResourceType=District |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url={{NHLS url |id=85002435}}|title=Governors Island: National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination|author1=Hightower, Barbara|author2=Higgins, Blanche|year=1983|publisher=National Park Service|name-list-style=amp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url={{NHLS url |id=85002435 |photos=y}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory: Governors Island—Accompanying 76 photos, from 1982|year=1983|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] created the Governors Island Historic District on June 18, 1996.<ref name="nyt19960109">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/19/nyregion/governors-island-historic-district-created.html |title=Governors Island Historic District Created |last=Stout |first=David |date=June 19, 1996 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

 

==== Early proposals ====

 

 

In a last-minute act while in office, President Clinton designated a {{Convert|22|acre|ha|abbr=|adj=on}} area, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams, as Governors Island National Monument on January 19, 2001. The monument would be administered by the [[National Park Service]].<ref name="nyt20010121">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/21/nyregion/clinton-with-time-running-out-protects-part-of-governors-island.html |title=Clinton, With Time Running Out, Protects Part of Governors Island |last1=Hernandez |first1=Raymond |date=January 21, 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |last2=Stewart |first2=Barbara |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The following year, it was announced that Governors Island would become public property, though the transfer of the island was delayed due to the [[2002 New York gubernatorial election]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/31/nyregion/governors-island-transfer-to-new-york-is-delayed.html |title=Governors Island Transfer to New York Is Delayed |last=Pristin |first=Terry |date=October 31, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On January 31, 2003, the rest of the island's 150 acres, as well as {{Convert|32|acre|ha|abbr=}} of underwater land, were sold for a "nominal sum" (reported to be $1) and placed under the management of a joint city-state agency, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC).<ref name="nyt20030131" /><ref name="ap20030201">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32043187/ |title=New York Reclaims Governors Island |last=Barrett |first=Devlin |date=February 1, 2003 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=May 24, 2019 |publisher=Star-Gazette |location=Elmira, NY |page=27 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The transfer included deed restrictions which prohibit permanent housing or casinos on the island.<ref name="wsj20140819">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/on-governors-island-many-visitors-but-few-tenants-1408498028 |title=On Governors Island, Many Visitors but Few Tenants |date=August 19, 2014 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/nyregion/l-governors-island-180475.html |title=Governors Island |date=July 4, 2004 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The agreements also stipulated that {{Convert|40|acre|ha|abbr=}} of land had to be used as parkland, and another {{Convert|50|acre|ha|abbr=}} had to be used for "educational, civic or cultural" purposes.<ref name="ap20030201" /> In practice, the deed restriction precludes most long-term development on Governors Island.<ref name="nyt20180928" />

 

====Phase 1 and 2 renovations====

 

The number of tenants on Governors Island started to increase, though they numbered fewer than 1,000 as of 2014.<ref name="wsj20140819" /> In 2009, a {{convert|3|acre|m2|adj=on}} commercial organic farm, operated by the non-profit organization Added Value, was launched.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jennifer 8. Lee |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/on-governors-ian-organic-farm-with-a-view/ |title=On Governors I., an Organic Farm With a View |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 22, 2009 |access-date=September 21, 2009}}</ref> In 2010, the Urban Assembly [[New York Harbor School]] relocated from [[Bushwick, Brooklyn]], to building 550 on Governors Island. Also opened that year were artist studios run by the [[Lower Manhattan Cultural Council]] and housed in a portion of Building 110.<ref>{{cite news |title=N.Y.U. Plans to Expand Campuses by 40 Percent |first=Robin |last=Pogrebin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/arts/design/23nyu.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=April 12, 2010}}</ref>

 

 

In September 2016, the Trust for Governors Island and the [[New York City Economic Development Corporation]] started an online survey to develop ideas for Governors Island as a year-round destination.<ref>{{cite web |title=Governors Island could become a year-round attraction |website=Time Out New York |date=September 8, 2016 |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/governors-island-could-become-a-year-round-attraction-090816 |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Ameena |title=Governors Island wants New Yorkers to weigh in on its year-round plans |website=Curbed NY |date=September 6, 2016 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2016/9/6/12820032/governors-island-invites-year-round-activity-ideas |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NYCEDC and The Trust for Governors Island Launch Interactive Community Engagement Campaign #GovIsland365 |website=NYCEDC |date=September 2, 2016 |url=https://www.nycedc.com/press-release/nycedc-and-trust-governors-island-launch-interactive-community-engagement-campaign |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> Two years later, mayor [[Bill de Blasio]] opened a formal process to rezone the remaining un-redeveloped portions of Governors Island for dormitory, office, or educational use.<ref name="nyt20180928" /><ref>{{cite web |title=City launches effort to rezone Governors Island |website=Crain's New York Business |date=August 24, 2018 |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20180824/REAL_ESTATE/180829925/city-launches-effort-to-rezone-governors-island |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Ameena |title=Governors Island rezoning process is now underway |website=Curbed NY |date=August 24, 2018 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/8/24/17779354/governors-island-rezoning-nyc-new-development |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> The proposed rezoning drew opposition from activists who wanted Governors Island to be kept largely as-is.<ref>{{cite web |title=Culture of Governors Island threatened by rezoning plan, activists say |website=Newsday |url=https://www.amny.com/news/governors-island-rezoning-1.21284398 |access-date=May 31, 2019 |date=September 27, 2018}}</ref> Also in 2018, the city's government held the NYCx Governors Island Connectivity Challenge, asking three companies to test out [[5G]] technology on Governors Island; if the project was successful, the city's government would pursue a wider rollout of 5G in New York City.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/nyc-uses-moonshot-challenge-to-accelerate-5g-wireless-in-the-city/ |title=NYC uses 'moonshot' challenge to accelerate 5G wireless in the city |last=Forrest |first=Conner |date=January 31, 2018 |website=TechRepublic |language=en |access-date=April 28, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/how-new-york-city-will-make-5g-accessible-and-affordable/ |title=How New York City will make 5G accessible and affordable |last=Patterson |first=Dan |date=March 9, 2019 |website=CNET |language=en |access-date=April 28, 2020}}</ref>

 

 

 

Governors Island comprises {{convert|172|acre|ha|abbr=}} of land.<ref name="Ruggiero2017" /> About {{Convert|22|acre|0|abbr=}} are operated by the National Park Service while the rest are under the jurisdiction of The Trust for Governors Island.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/site/oec/environmental-quality-review/11DME007M.page |title=Phase Redevelopment of Governors Island - OEC |website=www1.nyc.gov |access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref> The island is about {{cvt|400|yd|m}} west of Brooklyn and {{cvt|800|yd|m}} south of Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Phase Redevelopment of Governors Island - OEC |website=Welcome to NYC.gov |date=August 23, 2018 |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/site/oec/environmental-quality-review/11DME007M.page |access-date=June 4, 2019}}</ref> Politically it is part of the borough of Manhattan, and shares the [[ZIP Code]] 10004 with the blocks around South Ferry in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://data.cityofnewyork.us/City-Government/Borough-Boundaries/tqmj-j8zm |title=Borough Boundaries |website=NYC Open Data |language=en |access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref> Governors Island contains several named streets, mostly in the northern part of the island. The entirety of the island is surrounded by a waterfront promenade.<ref name="Governors Island Map2">{{cite web |url=https://govisland.com/map |title=Governors Island Map |website=Governors Island |access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref>

 

 

== Notable structures ==

=== Fortifications ===

{{Main|Fort Jay|Castle Williams}}

Several fortifications were built on Governors Island to protect New York Harbor. These worked in conjunction with [[Castle Clinton]] at the southern tip of Manhattan, as well as Fort Wood on [[Liberty Island]], and Fort Gibson on [[Ellis Island]].<ref name="NPS-Castle-Williams">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/gois/learn/historyculture/castle-williams.htm |title=Castle Williams |date=July 31, 1972 |website=Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) |access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1872/09/21/archives/harbor-defenses-the-fortifications-on-governors-island-fort.html |title=Harbor Defenses; The Fortifications on Governor's Island |date=September 21, 1872 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 28, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The existing fortifications were meant to protect the city during the [[War of 1812]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wcny.org/education/war-of-1812/the-fortification-of-new-york-harbor/ |title=The fortification of New York Harbor |date=June 12, 2013 |website=WCNY |access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref>

 

 

==== Northern portion ====

There are four open landscapes in the historic northern part of Governors Island.<ref name="Governors Island Map2" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5a">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|page=5 (PDF p. 10)}}</ref> The northernmost is the glacis of Fort Jay, a treeless grassy area that slopes down from all sides of the fort.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 13" /><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 13" /> The glacis formed a buffer between the walls of Fort Jay and the moat at the bottom of the slope.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5a" /> The glacis contained a polo field, as well as the [[Governors Island Golf Course]].<ref name="Novak p. 106" /><ref name=":21" />

 

To the southeast of Fort Jay is Nolan Park, a formal trapezoidal area with tree-lined walks that is surrounded by former officers' quarters and administrative buildings. The park's eastern border curves southwest toward the southern end of the area, while the western and northern borders are roughly perpendicular to each other.<ref name="GI-ES p. cxxix" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 6a">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|page=6 (PDF p. 11)}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 6-7">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|pp=6–7}}</ref> Nolan Park's current configuration dates to the 1870s,<ref name="Novak p. 54" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 6a" /> and it was named after Major General [[Dennis E. Nolan]], who was First Army's commander from 1933 to 1936.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 5a" /> A bandstand formerly existed on the site.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 6-7" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=91 (PDF p. 96)}}</ref>

 

 

The fourth open landscape is the triangle between Clayton and Hay Roads,<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 6a" /> also known as Colonels Row Green or Hay Park, located southwest of Fort Jay and northeast of Liggett Hall.<ref name="GI-ES p. cxxix" /> It was created in the early 20th century and forms a wedge shape between Hay Road to the east, which forms the island's original southwest shoreline, and Clayton Road and Liggett Hall to the southwest.<ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 6a" />

 

==== Southern portion ====

The south end of the park contains the Hills section of Governors Island, which covers 10 acres. The Hills consists of four hills that are {{convert|26|to|70|ft}} high, and are made partially of reclaimed debris from the demolition of the island's former residential towers.<ref name="nbc20160718" /><ref name="slate20160722" /><ref name="nydn20169719" /> Each hill has a trail that leads up to their peak. From shortest to tallest, the hills are the 26-foot Grassy Hill; the {{Convert|40|ft|m|abbr=|adj=on}} Discovery Hill, with site-specific artwork;<ref name="slate20160722" /> the 40-foot Slide Hill, which contains four long [[Playground slide|slides]];<ref name="nydn20169719" /><ref name="GI-Slide-Hill" /> and the 70-foot Outlook Hill, which contains an observation area at its peak with views of New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn.<ref name="slate20160722" /><ref name="Jacobs 2016" /> The Hills includes over 41,000 shrubs and 860 new trees.<ref name="slate20160722" /> The Hills cost $70 million to build; the construction of the Hills was funded in part by [[Google]] CEO [[Eric Schmidt]], who donated $15 million.<ref name="Rubinstein2013" />

 

 

=== Other structures ===

 

The eastern side of Colonel's Row contains eight individual officers' quarters numbered 403 from north to south,<ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 171-186" /><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 17-18">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|pp=17–18}}</ref> which initially faced the original shoreline southwest of Hays Road.<ref name="Ruggiero2017" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 170-177">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=170–177 (PDF pp. 175–182)}}</ref><ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 171-174">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=166–169 (PDF pp. 171–174)}}</ref> The first structures to be built, buildings 405–408, were designed in accordance with the same Quartermaster General plans, and were built in 1893-1895 as two-family duplexes.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 17-18" /><ref name="GI-ES p. 252">{{harvnb|ps=.|Governors Island EIS|1998|p=252}}</ref><ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 170-177" /> This was followed by buildings 403–404, built in 1904-1906 also to the same plan.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 17-18" /><ref name="GI-ES p. 252" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 171-174" /> The two-and-a-half-story building 409, a Colonial Revival structure, was designed as Bachelor Officers' Quarters and was completed in 1910,<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 17-18" /><ref name="GI-ES p. 252" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=178–179 (PDF pp. 183–184)}}</ref> while building 410 was built as a duplex officer's quarters in 1917 and is the only structure of the Modified [[Arts and Crafts movement|Arts and Crafts]] design on the island.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 17-18" /><ref name="GI-ES p. 252" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=180–181 (PDF pp. 185–186)}}</ref>

The southwestern side of Colonel's Row is dominated by [[Liggett Hall]] (building 400), a three-to-four-story barracks that spans nearly the entire width of Governors Island, measuring {{Convert|1023|ft|m}} long with two {{Convert|225|ft|m|-long|abbr=|adj=mid}} wings extending south. Initially built in 1930 for the 16th Infantry, it was among the largest military barracks in the world when completed, and was the first Army building intended to house an entire regiment. The building contains a ground-level arcade that bisects the first and second floors, as well as an annex to the southeast.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=157–158 (PDF pp. 162–163)}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES p. 252" /><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 162">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=16}}</ref> Two nearly identical Georgian Revival structures, building 550 (now the [[New York Harbor School]]) to the north and building 333 to the south, are located directly adjacent to Liggett Hall. The three-story structures are both U-shaped with the wings surrounding a front courtyard; they were built in 1932 as detachment housing for the First Army before being used by the Coast Guard as classrooms.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 15" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=154–155, 191–192 (PDF pp. 159–160, 196–197)}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES pp. 251, 253a">{{harvnb|ps=.|Governors Island EIS|1998|pp=251, 253}}</ref> Nearby are a smaller pair of nearly identical {{Frac|3|1|2}}-story family housing blocks for the 16th Regiment, built in 1940. These consist of building 555 to the north of building 550, and building 315 near the southern waterfront south of the YMCA and theater.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 15" /><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=149–150, 193–194 (PDF pp. 154–155, 198–199)}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES pp. 251, 253a" />

 

Several other residential structures exist throughout the northern part of Governors Island. Buildings 111 and 112, a pair of three-story neo-Georgian structures on the island's east side, were built in 1934 to a design by [[Rogers & Poor]]. These served as officers' quarters for the 16th Regiment, accommodating additional officers once Liggett Hall was full.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=108–111 (PDF pp. 113–116)}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 11-12">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|pp=11–12}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES pp. 249-250">{{harvnb|ps=.|Governors Island EIS|1998|p=249}}</ref> Inside Fort Jay were four buildings numbered 202, 206, 210, and 214; these were nearly identical Greek Revival barracks that housed soldiers at the fort.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=132–139 (PDF pp. 137–144)}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 142">{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=14}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES pp. 249-250" /><ref name="Novak p. 206">{{harvnb|ps=.|Novak|2010|p=206}}</ref> The north side of the island, between Castle Williams to the west and Soissons Dock to the east, contains the Fort Jay Nurses' Quarters (building 114), a {{Frac|2|1|2}}-story neo-Georgian brick-with-concrete structure designed by Rogers & Poor; this later became bachelor officers' quarters as well.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=112–113 (PDF pp. 117–118)}}</ref><ref name="NRHI Nomination Form pp. 11-12" /><ref name="GI-ES pp. 249-250" /> Officers' quarters were also located in building 135, a former storehouse along the northeastern waterfront built in 1835.<ref name="NRHI Nomination Form p. 13" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson pp. 118-121">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=118–121 (PDF pp. 123–126)}}</ref>

 

Many of the former residences located in Nolan Park and Colonels Row now serve as seasonal homes to a variety of arts and culture organizations that typically offer free programs for visitors during the Island's public season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=30 Arts and Education Organizations to Present Free Programming on Governors Island for 2020 Public Season |url=https://govisland.com/blog/30-arts-and-education-organizations-to-present-free-programming-on-governors-island-for-2020-public-season |access-date=September 11, 2020 |website=Governors Island |language=en}}</ref> During the 2020 season, indoor programs were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. As a result, many of the organizations based in the former homes joined the Governors Island Residency Initiative to offer the houses as free workspace for artists and cultural workers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Announcing the Governors Island Residency Initiative |url=https://govisland.com/blog/announcing-the-governors-island-residency-initiative |access-date=September 11, 2020 |website=Governors Island |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

==== Religious ====

 

A Catholic church called Our Lady, Star of the Sea was built in 1942.<ref name="USCG pp. 22-23" /><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 148">{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=148 (PDF p. 153)}}</ref> The one-story clapboard structure is located at Clayton and Comfort Roads on the north shore of Governors Island.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=22}}</ref><ref name="Hansen Pearson p. 148" />

 

==== Service structures ====

The northwest side of the island hosts building 515, the former Post Hospital, later used as enlisted bachelors' housing. The three-story brick-and-limestone building was constructed in 1935 to a Neo-Georgian design by McKim, Mead & White.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|pp=188–189 (PDF pp. 193–194)}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=19}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES p. 253" /> Nearby is the Tampa Memorial Library (building S-251), a one-story rectangular wooden building. Constructed in 1908, it originally served as a storehouse and was renamed after the sinking of the cutter {{USCGC|Tampa|1912|2}} in 1918.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=140 (PDF p. 145)}}</ref><ref name="GI-ES p. 250">{{harvnb|ps=.|Governors Island EIS|1998|p=250}}</ref>

 

== Operations ==

=== Management ===

Three organizations work in partnership to maintain the island: the [[National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy]], the Trust for Governors Island, and Friends of Governors Island.<ref name="NPS GI Partners">{{cite web |title=Partners |website=Governors Island National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) |date=May 16, 2016 |url=https://www.nps.gov/gois/getinvolved/partners.htm |access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref>

 

 

==== Trust for Governors Island ====

 

==== Friends of Governors Island ====

 

=== Cannonball removal ===

 

== Activities ==

Activities on the island include free [[National Park Service]] tours of the National Monument, bike riding, picnicking, art installations, fairs, festivals, and concerts.<ref name="Weaver2019">{{Cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/things-to-do/governors-island-nyc-1.30517479 |title=What to do on Governors Island this summer |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=May 1, 2019 |website=am New York |language=en |access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref> The northern half contains Governors Island National Monument as well as the Governors Island Historic District. The southern half contains the 43-acre park constructed and operated by the Trust for Governors Island.<ref name="GI-Hills" />

 

 

=== Events ===

 

 

 

==Public access==

 

=== History ===

 

=== Current services ===

Governors Island has two ferry landings: Soissons Landing and Yankee Pier. Soissons Landing, located at the northern shore of the island, contains two slips. The current cast-iron piers of Soissons Landing were built in 1947 and commemorate the [[Battle of Soissons (1918)|Battle of Soissons]] during World War I, during which over half of the 16th Regiment were killed.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=125 (PDF p. 130)}}</ref> Building 148, a brick waiting room built in 1917, is located directly to the west.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|NRHI Nomination Form|1985|p=21}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Hansen|Pearson|1996|p=126 (PDF p. 131)}}</ref> Ferries travel from here to Slip 7 at the [[Battery Maritime Building]], located adjacent to the [[Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal]] in Manhattan's [[Financial District, Manhattan|Financial District]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/battery_maritime_building_70249.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101020349/http://www.lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/battery_maritime_building_70249.aspx |title=Lower Manhattan: Battery Maritime Building |archive-date=November 1, 2008}}</ref> The ride is about 7 minutes long.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160912/governors-island/officials-weigh-governors-island-citywide-ferry-route-brooklyn |title=Officials Weigh Governors Island Stop on Citywide Ferry Routea|last=Venugopal |first=Nikhita |website=DNAinfo New York |publisher=2016-09-12 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924105530/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160912/governors-island/officials-weigh-governors-island-citywide-ferry-route-brooklyn |archive-date=September 24, 2016}}</ref> These ferries are operated by [[HMS Ferries]] for The Trust for Governors Island and operate daily when the island is open.<ref name="Weaver2019" /><ref name="GI Ferry" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferries |work=HMS Global Maritime |access-date=October 10, 2021 |url=https://www.hmsgm.com/ferries/}}</ref>

 

Ferries also operate to Yankee Pier on the southeastern side of the island, which is served by two ferry routes. One route is operated by HMS Ferries for The Trust on weekends and travels to [[Red Hook, Brooklyn|Red Hook]] {{As of|2020||alt=as of the 2020 season}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |date=July 13, 2020 |title=Governors Island to reopen with Brooklyn ferries moving to Red Hook |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/governors-island-to-reopen-with-brooklyn-ferries-moving-to-red-hook/ |access-date=July 15, 2020 |website=Brooklyn Paper}}</ref> (though it traveled to Pier 6 of [[Brooklyn Bridge Park]] prior to 2020).<ref name="Crains 2019" /><ref name="GI Ferry">{{cite web |title=Governors Island Ferry |website=Governors Island |url=https://govisland.com/visit-the-island/ferry |access-date=May 1, 2019}}</ref> The second route is the Governors Island route operated by [[NYC Ferry]]; during summer weekends, the route travels to [[Pier 11/Wall Street]] in Manhattan's Financial District, where it meets the other six NYC Ferry routes.<ref name="Crains 2019" /><ref name="GI Ferry" /><ref name="gov-island-">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/governors-island/ |title=Routes and Schedules: Governors Island |publisher=NYC Ferry}}</ref> Starting in November 2021, NYC Ferry has run the South Brooklyn route from Yankee Pier during the winter and on summer weekdays. The South Brooklyn route travels to [[Red Hook, Brooklyn|Red Hook]]; Piers 1 and 6 of Brooklyn Bridge Park; Pier 11/Wall Street; and [[Corlears Hook]] in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |title=NYC's Governors Island will be open year-round for the first time |website=6sqft |date=March 11, 2020 |url=https://www.6sqft.com/nycs-governors-island-will-be-open-year-round-for-the-first-time/ |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref>

 

 

The main ferryboat operated by the Trust is the ''Samuel S. Coursen'',<ref name="Coursen">{{cite web | title=The Coursen Heads Home from Dry Dock | website=Governors Island |language=en-US | date=March 5, 2021 | url=https://www.govisland.com/blog/the-coursen-heads-home-from-dry-dock | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref> a passenger and vehicular ferry built for the Army in 1956 and named for soldier [[Samuel S. Coursen]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 20, 1956|title=First Army Gets Two Ferryboats; But Cannot Use Them Until the Slip Is Renovated at Governors Island|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/10/20/archives/first-army-gets-two-ferryboats-but-cannot-use-them-until-the-slip.html|access-date=April 14, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A second vessel, ''Governors 1'', entered service in 2019;<ref name="Crain's New York Business 2019">{{cite web | title=Governors Island unveils new ferry | website=Crain's New York Business | date=April 4, 2019 | url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/transportation/governors-island-unveils-new-ferry | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Pereira 2019">{{cite web | last=Pereira | first=Sydney | title=Governors Island Is Getting A New Ferry Boat | website=Tribeca-FiDi, NY Patch | date=June 14, 2019 | url=https://patch.com/new-york/downtown-nyc/governors-island-getting-new-ferry-vessel | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref> it can carry 400 passengers and can travel at up to {{convert|14|knots}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=Welcome aboard the newest ferry in New York Harbor: Governors 1 | website=Governors Island |language=en-US | date=June 13, 2019 | url=https://www.govisland.com/blog/welcome-aboard-the-newest-ferry-in-new-york-harbor-governors-1 | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref> {{as of|2023}}, the Trust is replacing the ''Coursen'' with a battery-electric vessel carrying up to 1,200 people.<ref name="Lazar 2023">{{cite web | last=Lazar | first=David | title=First electric ferry to Governors Island will launch next summer, city says | website=Spectrum News NY1 New York City | date=March 29, 2023 | url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2023/03/29/city-announces-first-electric-ferry-to-governors-island-will-launch-next-summer | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Gonella 2023">{{cite web | last=Gonella | first=Catalina | title=NYC wants your help naming the new hybrid Governors Island ferry | website=Gothamist | date=March 29, 2023 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-wants-your-help-naming-the-new-hybrid-governors-island-ferry | access-date=April 14, 2023}}</ref>