Castle Clinton National Monument

Address:1 Bowling Green
New York, New York
Tel: (212) 344-7220

Visit a castle right in the middle of New York City! Castle Clinton National Monument has played many roles in the history of New York over the last 200 years and is a time capsule of both New York and American history!

First intended to protect against a British invasion in 1812, the Castle Clinton has worn many hats over the years, attracting millions of visitors to the New York Harbor, including theater goers, immigrants, and sightseers. Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, the Castle is Battery Park's major landmark. Originally a product of the Napoleonic era, today Castle Clinton has national monument status because of its wide historical importance. Visitors here will see that the walls of the fort are the originals, still intact after nearly 200 years. The interior, however, has had a makeover, now housing a visitor center for the Manhattan national parks. Visitors can enjoy exhibits on the history of this site, as well as get information about other parks in and around New York City. The 20 minute ranger-guided tours of Castle Clinton illustrate the colorful history of the Castle and how it served as a fort, entertainment center, immigration depot and aquarium. Guests can also experience the creative aspects of the monument, like meeting a War of 1812 soldier or listening to a concert. While you're in the area, you should also take the opportunity to jump on a ferry and visit the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, or just sit down on a bench and enjoy lunch at the foot of Manhattan.

Public and private transportation (subways 1,4,5,R, and W) will only take you as far as the outside of the park. To get to the actual castle, you'll have to rely on your feet—bicycles and wheelchairs are also welcome! Take a break from the bustle of New York City and enjoy experiencing some history that changed the face of New York!