Fort Jay self Guided Walk

one of the Historic Rodman guns, standing guard in the fort's ravelin

NPS

One of the oldest structures on the island. Built in 1805. It is an example of Vauban fort design, with many of the defensive elements still intact. Walk around the outside of the fort to see how these elements helped defend against attacks. From the glacis or hill around the fort a visitor can see the disadvantages an attacker would face as they approach the forts walls. the glacis gives way remnants of an outer defense known as the covered way, still visible. Finally, the dry moat or ditch that would trap attackers, leaving them helpless to the efforts of defender of the fort. Cross the drawbridge into the interior of the fort to see the 1830s era barracks. Visit the parapets and bastions. View the original rodman guns and visit the fort's magazine. Please be advised, in the off season, only the exterior of the fort is accessible. For openings and closures please check park alerts at NPS.gov/gois or Governors Island Nationial Monument facebook page

Details

Duration

30 Minutes

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

One of the oldest structures on the island. Built in 1805. It is an example of Vauban fort design, with many of the defensive elements still intact. Walk around the outside of the fort to see how these elements helped defend against attacks. From the glacis or hill around the fort a visitor can see the disadvantages an attacker would face as they approach the forts walls. the glacis gives way remnants of an outer defense known as the covered way, still visible. Finally, the dry moat or ditch that would trap attackers, leaving them helpless to the efforts of defender of the fort. Cross the drawbridge into the interior of the fort to see the 1830s era barracks. Visit the parapets and bastions. View the original rodman guns and visit the fort's magazine

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Governors Island National Monument

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Exterior of the fort is visisble year round, interior access subject to seasonal calendar, see website for details.

Time of Day

Day

Island access, currently 7am until 6pm

Accessibility Information

The interior courtyard, fort's magazine along with its static displays are accessible