what is the history of governor’s island?

full of greenery, history and of course, whimsy… governor’s island is not to be missed during a NYC trip!

Before European colonization, the island was used by the Lenape people, who referred to it as Paggank, meaning "Nut Island" due to the abundance of hickory, oak, and chestnut trees.

After Dutch and British colonization, they named the island "Noten Eylant" (Nut Island). In 1664, when the British took control of New Amsterdam (later New York), they renamed it Governors Island. The name referred to its use as a residence for New York's royal governors

By the 18th century, Governors Island began its long history as a military outpost. During the American Revolutionary War, it was fortified to protect New York from British attacks. After the war, the island continued to serve as a strategic military post, with various fortifications constructed over the years, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams.

The U.S. Army used Governors Island as a major military headquarters, especially for the defense of New York Harbor. In 1966, the island was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, which used it as a base until 1996.

After the Coast Guard left in 1996, Governors Island was transferred to the National Park Service and the State of New York. It was later opened to the public and has since been developed into a popular destination for recreation, arts, and cultural events.