Castle Clinton

This circular sandstone fort in Battery Park has served many purposes since it was built in the early 1800's. Even tough it was built to protect the New York City Harbor, Castle Clinton has never been used for war. It was an immigration station before Ellis Island became one. Since then, it has been an aquarium and an event center before becoming a National Monument. Today it is a visitor center and departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

I walked around Castle Clinton for a little bit after spending some time at the Statue of Liberty. People were lined up inside to buy ferry tickets to the Statue. There is some literature about this fort that you can read as you walk around,. There are also some old cannons near the windows and other artifacts that you can check out. Even though there isn't a whole lot to do or see, I am glad they didn't demolish this historic place. Spend some time in Battery Park if you want to see more things.

Castle Clinton has had an amazingly interesting history. It started out as a fort protecting NYC harbor during the War of 1812 and it was separate from Manhattan at that time. It also served as the first immigration site (before Ellis Island) and more than 7 million people immigrated through it. The land around it was filled in to form Battery Park over the years and it also served as an aquarium. Today it's where you either get tickets/disembark for The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour. It was restored to the original fort appearance and it's a nice historical site to visit. There's a bit of information inside in an exhibit and I would spend about 30 minutes here. I'm really glad they never tore it down given it's historical significance and I recommend checking it out if you're in the area!

This is a small fort located in the Battery Park area. Nowadays, it is known as the place where you go to buy tickets to the Statue of Liberty ferries. However, it is a historically important site. It was actually the first place in New York where immigrants arrived and were processed (predating Ellis Island).

There are some small plaques and an exhibit that explains the site's history. It's not something to go out of your way for, but something to keep in mind and take a look at while going to the Statue of Liberty.

More of a jumping off point for Statue of Liberty now than an independent NPS site, there is some independent historical significance that is somewhat interesting. Decent junior ranger program. Limited but informative interpretive content. Not the most enthusiastic rangers. Probably can get sense of place in 20ish minutes. Not a destination, but worth a peek if in area.

Castle Clinton is located inside Battery Park. It is also part of the immigration system to get to Statue Island or Ellis Island through Statue Ferry Cruise.

Currently the Castle is closed for renovation. It is nice to see and take picture at the moment. The castle from the outside looks big and it looks like it is only one floor. It is built in a round shape.

Such a historic sight and where you purchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty Cruise. I wish the work crews trailers were parked on the side of the building rather than right at the front entrance. They are very unappealing.

Castle Clinton is the large old building in the middle of The Battery. It has a lot of history from times of war to immigration. The building looks to be fairly well taken care of. If only it had more going on it could be a good attraction. This is now used for getting Statue of Liberty tickets.

It was first used as a fortress. It protected New York during the war of 1812 and maybe some others. When that was over, it became the site where immigrants registered. It was so until the center on Ellis Island opened. It has some great history but it gets lost among the Statue of Liberty ticket pickups. This is certainly the busier of the two statue ferry areas, especially when it's peak season.

If you are coming or going on the ferry take a look. It has some information but not much. This is a pleasant diversion while waiting for the ferry or if you want to learn more immigration stories.

It was easy enough to find! Had to go to the Will Call window to pick up our crown tickets. The lady at the booth asks that you put on the band in front of her at the window. I suppose this is to deter the others from selling their bands off as we require to submit an ID when you purchase tickets for the crown.
Blessed with beautiful weather, we were very fortunate!

We came here to get our tickets to Statue of Liberty! Pretty easy to find, although we had to ask for directions from a local police officer who directed us to this place. Looks like a tiny castle from the outside.

Nice little "fort" at the ferry terminal for the Statue of Liberty. This is going through the much needed renovation right now so it has scaffolding all around it, and anything inside is closed due to the pandemic. However, it is a nice place to look around and see what it was like back in the day with a little history!