Fort Jay

Castle Williams is undergoing some much needed preservation work. That work has reached a point where we may have to limit access to the Castle for the next cou...ple of days. The passport stamp will be available in fort Jay and we'll be running programs in Fort Jay Wednesday , Thursday and Friday. So come talk to the rangers in Fort Jay and rest assured the castle will be up and running soon, Thanks so much for your consideration and support. See more

The solar eclipse is tomorrow! Come to Governors Island and watch it with us. The peak of the eclipse happens between 1:23pm and 2:44pm EST. In New York City, there will be about 71% sun coverage, so you MUST wear approved eclipse glasses or make a viewer yourself at home to be able to see it without harming your eyes. It only takes a few seconds for permanent damage. Not only do we have plenty of glasses, but we also have special eclipse Junior Ranger books and badges! If you can't make it here, check your local National Park sites, libraries, and museums for viewing events.

Soldiers doing drills, Fort Jay, 1902. This did prompt us to think about David Bowie's song, "Let's Dance." Put on your russet-colored shoes and dance the blue...s... Their uniforms were blue... https://youtu.be/N4d7Wp9kKjA

Happy 80th birthday, Tommy Smothers! He and his younger brother, Dick Smothers, were born at the post hospital here on Governors Island. Their father, a West Po...int graduate and Army major, was stationed here and served in the 45th Infantry Regiment. Unfortunately, he died as a POW in 1945. His story can be found here: http://americanpowsofjapan.blogspot.com//in-memory-major-t See more

Fort Jay with the recently completed bridge deck replacement, the first major preservation project by the National Park Service, January 2006

The British are leaving... The British are leaving... On December 3, 1783, the British Navy closed their hospital and left Governors Island. Starting in Septemb...er 1776 and for the next seven years, New York City was the headquarters for the British Army and Navy in their efforts to suppress American colonists seeking their independence. Even with the British surrender at the Colonial National Historical Park - Yorktown Battlefield in October 1781, it was not until September 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed and a formal and legal end came to the American Revolution. With news of that treaty arriving in New York, the British Army and Navy finally left on Evacuation Day, November 25, 1783. In recognition of the British Navy's departure from Governors Island 233 years ago tomorrow, we are flying the British Red Ensign or "Red Duster" over Fort Jay. The Red Ensign was the flag of the British Navy at that time and of the British colonies. It the same flag the British nailed to the flagpole at the Battery when they almost, finally departed New York City on Evacuation Day. They finally left New York harbor for good when they departed Governors Island a week later on December 3, 1783. See the letter below from Captain James Duncan of the Royal Navy to New York Governor Clinton informing him of such. The island has been pretty much an American place ever since then, although we did fly Prince Henry's royal flag on our flagpole when he was here for a polo game a few years ago. In 1997, in a delightful twist of historical repetition the U.S. Coast Guard also left boat tied up at the dock and a thousands of keys to all buildings on the island when they departed the island. That boat, the ferryboat Coursen, unlike the hulks the British Navy left at the dock, still sails the waters of the harbor today. Our thanks to the folks at FlagandBanner.com for helping us with the flag.

Fortress sprucifiers... Student Conservation Association - Student Conservation Association NYC

Another brick in the wall.... Our NPS Centennial logo with a brick backdrop from the kitchen wall of Quarters 214 D.

David McCullough, bestselling author of The Wright Brothers talking about Brent Glass's book, 50 GREAT AMERICAN PLACES Essential Historic Sites Across the U.S.... Here one will find ample reminders of who we are as a people, and why we are the way we are, as expressed in American art, music, science and technology, medicineHere in the pages of this fine book by Brent Glass one will find reason in abundance to get out on the road to see for yourself what you haven’t yet seen, or retrace favorite previous steps a second time. ================== Glass is offering a free author's talk about his book in observance of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary at 1pm, tomorrow on Governors Island at the Admiral's House in Nolan Park. His book will be on sale and available for autographing. #FindYourPark #NPS100

In honor of the National Park Service centennial,this Sunday, August 21 at 1 PM, Brent Glass will present a program based on his recent book 50 Great American P...laces: Essential Historic Sites Across the U.S. Dr. Glass, director emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, is promoting the importance of experience and preserving America’s rich heritage. This free talk will be held in the Commanding Officer's Quarters or "Admiral's House" in Nolan Park at 1 PM, Sunday, August 21. Seating is limited. The book will be available for sale and autographing. #FindYourPark #NPS100

This was a great Coast Guard weekend we hosted a few years ago. Memories were remembered and shared and a memory or two was created.... It was a lot of fun. mobile.nytimes.com//at-governors-island-reunion-childhood-

Spring time at Fort Jay, the maple tree over the south moat of the fort.