Castle Clinton National Memorial

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, Castle Clinton stands where New York City began and represents not only the city's growth, but the growth of a nation. Initially intended to prevent a British invasion in 1812, the fortification has transformed over the years to welcome theatergoers, immigrants, sightseers, and now, millions of visitors to New York Harbor.

Southwest Battery

Southwest Battery was constructed on the rocks off the tip of Manhattan between 1808 and 1811, just in time for the War of 1812. The fort was fully armed with 28 cannons. Each cannon could shoot a 32 pound cannonball a distance of 1.5 miles.

Castle Garden, The Entertainment Center

In 1823 the fort was deeded to New York City. The following summer a new restaurant and entertainment center opened at the site, renamed Castle Garden. A roof was added in the 1840s, and Castle Garden served as an opera house and theater until 1854.

Castle Garden, The Immigration Station

On August 3, 1855, Castle Garden opened as an immigrant landing depot. During the next 34 years, over 8 million people entered the United States through Castle Garden. Two out of every three immigrants to the United States in this period passed through the doors of Castle Garden. It was closed as an immigration center on April 18, 1890.

New York City Aquarium

The building was remodeled once again and reopened as the New York City Aquarium on December 10, 1896. The exotic fish and Beluga whale made the aquarium one of the city's most popular attractions. With over 30,000 visitors on opening day, the aquarium averaged over 5,000 people per day until it closed in 1941.

Castle Clinton Today

In 1941 the Aquarium was shut down and destroyed by Robert Moses, who wanted a bridge to Brooklyn on the site, but the original 1812 fort had been preserved inside the Aquarium walls. WWII stopped all construction, saving the fort. The National Park Service received the fort in 1950, and it was decided to return the fort to its original 1812 appearance.

Welcome to New York Harbor

New York harbor is a large natural harbor in the Bay of New York. It has always been a bustling shipping lane and pleasure boat area. Standing on the shoreline of the Battery, you can see several islands dotting the bay. Most noticeable is Liberty Island, with Ellis Island being a close second. Other sights in the harbor include Governor's Island, Staten Island and the New Jersey shoreline.