|
|
|
|
Battery Park in New York |
 |
Just below the financial district of Manhattan is Battery Park- affectionately termed `the Battery` by New Yorkers. It is one of NYC`s oldest public open spaces and is considered to be the cradle of New York history. Over 4 million people from around the world annually visit the park and its major landmark - The Castle Clinton National Monument.
Location
At one end of the park is Pier A and Hope Garden, a memorial to AIDS victims. At the other end is Battery Gardens restaurant, next to the United States Coast Guard Battery Building. Along the waterfront, ferries depart for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The South Street Seaport, the New York Stock Exchange, the Smithsonian`s Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Jewish Heritage are a few of the many cultural institutions that are within walking distance of the Battery. Most importantly, Castle Clinton serves as a busy ticketing centre for 3 million passengers who annually board ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
To the northwest of the park is Battery Park City, a real estate oasis in busy Manhattan. Across the street to the northeast lies the U.S. Customs House/Museum of the American Indian
History
The battery has been historically called `the emerald doorstep of the metropolis`as its strategic primacy of location has enabled it to serve many roles in the City`s history. The early Dutch settlers landed here in 1623, and the first `battery` of cannons was erected to defend the young city of New Amsterdam. The Park was named after the artillery.
Within the park lies Castle Clinton, an American fort built on a small off-shore island immediately prior to the war of 1812 and named for mayor DeWitt Clinton. A decade later it was renamed Castle Garden and was transformed into NYC`s premier cultural centre.
The original fort walls were declared a national monument by an Act of Congress in 1946 and were restored to its current fortified appearance by the National Park Service in 1975. Alongside the docks you`ll find cannons and further inland are more monuments and memorials which include the Salvation Army Memorial, Walloon Settlers Memorial and the East Coast War Memorial.
Encompassing 23 acres of waterfront parkland, the Battery is a magnificent sight to behold and the epitome of New York`s cultural heritage. It has not only served as a historical landmark but also as a major neighbourhood amenity with expansive lawns, vast gardens, waterfront promenades and cultural programs including summertime open-air concerts. Much like the image of New York itself, the park is open to all and is an ideal getaway for both young and old.
Directions
The Battery is accessible from State Street and Battery Place. It is adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|