Revisiting Governor’s Island

Enlargement And Reconstruction Of Governor'S Island Military Post., Digital ID 804990, New York Public LibraryHave any of you wondered what will become of governor’s island?

Governors Island has a very colorful history. In the past five hundred years, it has undergone four name changes and has been occupied by the Dutch, the British, the American Colonists and of course by the Native Americans. For much of its history it has served as military headquarters or training grounds but since 2002 the City of New York has been considering how else Governors Island might be used for public benefit. 

For more on the history and development of Governors Island you may want to look at these materials within the Milstein Division.

Recently, Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation have been discussing five different proposals for the island’s future. Well, you may have caught it in the news yesterday that a plan was approved to create a lush, green park, which may include amenities such as bicycles to use free of charge and perhaps building space for future cultural or academic institutions. What do you think of this decision? I have to say, I’m thrilled they didn’t choose to make it a golf course.