The Changing Landscape of Governors Island

Since the American Revolution, Governors Island, situated off the southern coast of Manhattan, was been used primarily by the US Army then more recently by the US Coast Guard. When the property was declared excess federal property in 1996, various proposals have been put forward to transform this historic landscape into a public park. A 22-acre portion of the island was designated Governors Island National Monument in 2001 and the remainder of the 172-acre island was sold to New York City in 2003. Recently, the Trust for Governors Island completed the installation of a 30-acre landscape design.

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The Stunning (and Fun) Transformation of a Forgotten New York Landmark

By Robin Pogrebin

The New York Times Magazine

July 5, 2016