Castle Clinton National Monument Highpoint Trip Report
Date: August 12, 2010
Author: Fred Lobdell
Castle Clinton was constructed as a fort in 1811 to aid in the defense of New York
against the possibility of British attacks during the War of 1812.
However, its guns never fired a shot as the British never attacked New York.
After a long and varied history, which included a partial demolition,
it was created a National Monument in 1946.
This action took effect in 1950 when the state of New York turned ownership
of the property over to the Federal government.
The easiest way to get to this monument is to take the "1" subway line to its
southern terminus at South Ferry. This is the ferry terminal for ferries
from Manhattan to Governor's Island, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island,
the latter being part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
(There are also ferries from Liberty State Park in New Jersey to these islands.)
From the ferry terminal, walk west through Battery Park to the large circular structure,
made of sandstone. This is Castle Clinton. From what I've read,
it seems that the fort was actually built in the water, and that the surrounding ground
was emplaced at a later date. Thus, there is no natural ground in the area,
and one must content oneself with walking through the fort itself.
I could not find a detailed map of the area.
In addition to the islands mentioned above, African Burial Ground National Monument
is located about 20 blocks north, just east of Broadway.