In 2005, the National Park Service brought together its sites around New York Harbor under one interpretive and administrative umbrella, the National Parks of New York Harbor. New York Harbor Parks arc four boroughs of the city—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island—and across to New Jersey.
These historic sites, natural landscapes and recreation areas welcome over 20 million visitors annually, and include such icons as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Together they preserve and interpret over 400 years of American history and invite visitors to explore the past as well as investigate its relevance to their lives today. From the birth of American democracy—its enduring ideals and contradictions—to the evolution of commerce, harbor defense, ecology and immigration, the breadth of themes commemorated through New York Harbor Parks reflect the richness and diversity of our heritage.