Castle Williams is a circular defensive work of red sandstone on the west point of Governors Island in New York Harbor. It was designed and erected between 1807 and 1811, designed by the Chief Engineer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams, for whom the fort is named, and considered a prototype for new forms of coastal fortification. It is one of the earliest examples of a Casement style fort and a key aspect of the harbor defense system of New York Harbor, in the early decades of the 19th century. Tour with a National Park Service Ranger on OHNY Weekend.
Castle Williams is a circular defensive work of red sandstone on the west point of Governors Island in New York Harbor. It was designed and erected between 1807 and 1811, designed by the Chief Engineer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams, for whom the fort is named, and considered a prototype for new forms of coastal fortification. It is one of the earliest examples of a Casement style fort and a key aspect of the harbor defense system of New York Harbor, in the early decades of the 19th century. Tour will be led by a National Park Service Ranger.
The lower level of Castle Williams is wheelchair accessible. However, the tours of the interior include 3 flights of stairs, and there is no elevator in the historic structure. All visitors on interior tours must stay with and follow the directions of the Ranger or NPS affiliated volunteer. Visitors will need to take a ferry to get to Governors Island. You can travel to Governors Island via NYC Ferry as well as the Governors Island ferry at 10 South Street. Please note that the ferry is very timely, so please plan your commute time accordingly.
1807-1811; Colonel Jonathan Williams
Governors Island, Castle Williams, New York, NY 10004