Governor’s Island is situated in New York Harbor’s Upper Bay approximately a half mile from Lower Manhattan and the Financial District. The island was purchased from Native Americans by the Dutch in 1637, captured by the British in 1664 and ultimately used for the “benefit and accommodation of His Majesty's Governors.” After the revolution, the island reverted to New York State and ultimately to the federal government.

The island has been used as a military facility by British and American forces for more than 200 years due to its strategic location in New York Harbor. It was home to both the US Army and the Coast Guard for much of that time. The Coast Guard left the island in 1996 and the US Government “sold” the island to the people of New York for one dollar in 2003.

Governor’s Island is 172 acres in size, with the northern 92 acres designated as an Historic District of which 22 acres is managed by the National Park Service as the Governor’s Island National Monument. The Historic District is open to the public for picnics, tours, concerts, car-free biking, and special events. In mid-June, Governor’s Island hosted “FIGMENT,” a celebration of creative energy featuring participatory art, performance art, contemporary artistic displays and collaborative artwork. FIGMENT is a true New York City happening.

Governor's Island is accessible by ferry from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.