An island fit for a Governor

The oasis that is Governor's Island
Courtesy of the GI Trust blog

Located about a kilometre off the southern tip of Manhattan, Governor’s Island was originally known by the Native Americans as “Paggank” or “nut island”, by virtue of the hickory, oak, and chestnut trees that grew all around.  Dutch explorers knew the area as “Nutten Island” but its current name stems from 1784 when the British colony assembled there and the island was used exclusively for New York’s royal governors. 

Originally, the island was only 69 acres in total but during the 20^th century, materials excavated from the construction of the Lexington Avenue subway were dumped on the site, increasing the size of Governor’s Island by an extra 103 acres!   This gave the US Army and the US Coast Guard plenty of room to spread out and run their posts until 1996. 

Seven years later, 150 acres of Governor’s Island were transferred to the State of New York and long-term deed restrictions still prevent the State from building permanent housing or casinos there.  Instead, during the summer and early autumn, Governor’s Island is a hotspot for public concerts, events, and art installations. 

The National Park Service administers the remaining 22 acres, overseeing the island’s historic landmarks, such as the National Monument, Fort Jay, and Castle Williams.

The key attractions on Governor's Island are currently closed to the public but will reopen on 26 May, 2014 (Memorial Day).  The Island will then remain open for public concerts and events until mid-September.