Fort Clinton is a navy fortress which dates from the start of nineteenth century. It’s situated on the southern tip of Manhattan Island the place it seems to watch the passage of boats getting into New York Bay.
The Historical past of Fort Clinton
Fort Clinton, or Fort Clinton, is a navy fortress constructed of sandstone on a small synthetic island designed for this function. Fort Clinton has a round form ; its building work started in 1808 and so they ended 3 years later, even when additional developments had been determined within the twentieth century. The 2 architects who led the development of the fortress had been Jean McComb Jr. and Jonathan Williams. On the time, the fort was referred to as West Battery and due to this fact had a unbiased ahead place off Manhattan.
West Battery was a part of a protection system that included Fort Williams on Governors Island. These fortresses had the operate of defend New York towards an invasion by the English fleet. The distinctiveness of West Battery is that it has by no means needed to take part in a battle or defend its coasts. Subsequently, Battery Park, which stood on the tip of Manhattan Island, was enlarged and prolonged over the ocean till it joined and encompassed the fort.
In 1815the fortress is renamed Fort Clinton in honor of the mayor of New York from 1803 to 1815, DeWitt Clinton. From 1817 to 1823, this politician additionally participated within the presidential elections of 1812, which had been finally received by James Madison.
Fort Clinton a ceased its surveillance and navy safety exercise in 1821. The fortress was then rented to town of New York and the place turned a leisure space. New York residents might stroll and eat there earlier than attending a play or opera efficiency. Often known as Fort Backyard throughout this era, the fort noticed worldwide artists reminiscent of Jenny Lind (1820-1887) or Louis-Antoine Jullien (1812-1860) who carried out one in every of his very unique concert events the place the music traditional is related to performs of sunshine.
From 1830 to 1890, Fort Backyard turned the headquarters of the immigration administration who arrived in New York by way of Ellis Island. Greater than 10 million immigrant recordsdata shall be archived there. In 1896, the New York Aquarium was established within the fortress gardens. Yearly, tons of of hundreds of holiday makers came around this web site. In 1941, the aquarium was moved to Coney Island and Fort Clinton was finally left to the administration of the Nationwide Park Service administration.
Right now, guests can stroll by way of Battery Park, comply with the ramparts, go to the museum or take the ferry situated on the foot of Fort Clinton to go to Ellis Island or to see the Statue of Liberty.
Opening hours and costs : free and free.