Many TransformationsThe Southwest Battery was built between 1808 and 1811 to defend the city's harbor from a British invasion. The cannons actually were never once fired for defense; shots only rang out for training purposes and celebrations. After the War of 1812 the building was renamed Castle Clinton in honor of DeWitt Clinton who was the Mayor of New York City and later governor of New York State. In 1840, the circular fort became an opera house and was renamed Castle Garden. Jenny Lind "The Swedish Nightingale" sang to sold out crowds on September 11, 1850. It then became New York City's first immigration center from 1855 to 1890. Eight million immigrants entered the United States through Castle Garden. Ellis Island opened in 1892, and the Castle Clinton building underwent yet another change - it became the New York City Aquarium from 1896-1941. The building was saved from destruction and declared a National Monument in 1950 becoming part of the National Park Service. Today Castle Clinton houses exhibits which display the many changes the site has undergone throughout history, as well as a bookstore. It also hosts an annual concert series.
Visiting Castle Clinton National MonumentThe Castle Clinton National Monument is located in The Battery, near Manhattan's Financial District. Ferries depart from the The Battery Promenade which is located just outside the monument.
Address: in The Battery, New York City, NY
Click here to visit Castle Clinton National Monument website.
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