Castle Williams

Castle Williams
Governors Island, New York City
Site information
TypeCircular fort
OwnerPublic - National Park Service
Controlled byUnited States of America
Open to
the public
Yes
Castle Williams
Coordinates40°41′34″N 74°01′09″W / 40.69278°N 74.01917°W / 40.69278; -74.01917
Visitation126,000 (2008)
NRHP reference No.72000864
NYCL No.0547
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJuly 31, 1972
Designated NYCLSeptember 19, 1967
ConditionFair
Height40 feet
Site history
Built1807
Built byJonathan Williams
In use1808-1840s
MaterialsSandstone, Granite, Brick

Castle Williams is a circular fortification of red sandstone on the northwest point of Governors Island, part of a system of forts designed and constructed in the early 19th century to protect New York City from naval attack. It is a prominent landmark in New York Harbor. Together with Fort Jay, it is managed by the National Park Service as part of Governors Island National Monument.