Funny. Today's post comes from John LeGloahec, an archives specialist with the Electronic Records Reference Services at the National Archives. From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. The houses around Nolan Park and Colonels row host arts, culture and educational exhibits during typical public seasons. During the War of 1812, artillery and infantry troops were concentrated on Governors Island. Ferry Schedule between the Lower Manhattan and Governors Island. Returning to the Nut Island : Part of the restoration plans for Governors Island include planting native nut trees and removing man-made coastal features such as piers and bulkheads. In 2003, the island was sold for $1 to the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC), which was succeeded by the Trust for Governors Island. From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army on Governors Island was part of the social, political, and economic tapestry of New York City. [113][114][115] Some of the WPA's projects included the restoration of the General's House,[116] as well as the eradication of invasive Japanese beetles. [208][189] The city also unveiled a new master development plan that preserved the historic north end of Governors Island, developed the middle and southern portions of the island as a park, and reserved the western and eastern sections for private development. [245][246] The glacis formed a buffer between the walls of Fort Jay and the moat at the bottom of the slope. Though it’s now mainly a picnic destination for families and tourists, Governors Island has a long and rich history as the protector of New York City. [273][271] Building 12, a three-story Georgian Revival brick apartment complex, was constructed in 1928 or 1931 to house the 16th Infantry Regiment. Coronavirus News U.S. News World News Business Environment Health Social Justice. Historic American Buildings Survey, Creator. In September 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Trust for Governors Island announced plans to develop a Center for Climate Solutions as part of the Mayor’s Recovery Agenda. [157] By 1972, the Coast Guard had opened some apartment blocks on the southern portion of Governors Island,[152] which replaced the temporary World War II-era buildings on that site. [260], The south end of the park contains the Hills section of Governors Island, which covers 10 acres. The Native Americans of the Manhattan region, the Lenape, referred to what is now known as Governors Island as Pagganuck (“Nut Island”) after its plentiful hickory, oak, and chestnut trees. [223] 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. The recently built fortifications deterred a British invasion, sparing New York the fiery fate that befell Washington, D.C. Governors Island continued to serve an important military function during the American Civil War, though it was no longer used primarily for physical defense of the Harbor. In January 2001, President Bill Clinton designated 22 acres of the Island, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams and the area that surrounds them, as the Governors Island National Monument, to be owned and managed by the National Park Service. 10/29/2018. [45][8] Governors Island was conveyed to the New York State Board of Regents in 1790 "for the encouragement of education ... unless needed for military purposes.