A fortress of fantastic proportions is currently located at the southern most tip of Manhattan Island. Designed to keep people out, this beautiful building now welcomes millions of visitors in. So what’s so special about this New York City attraction? Well for starters – it’s a castle! A stroll through Battery Park will bring you face-to-face with Manhattan’s very own palace: Castle Clinton. A product of the Napoleonic era, Castle Clinton is now one of the city’s most picturesque attractions, rising high above the neighboring park landscape. Named in honor of former New York City Mayor and late governor of New York State, Dewitt Clinton, the castle represents not only the growth of a city, but also the growth of a nation. Beautifully restored and wonderfully maintained, Castle Clinton now functions as an outdoor event’s establishment and historical icon. You can’t completely appreciate how far NYC has come without revisiting a little of the city’s past, so why not plan to visit Clinton Castle during your upcoming New York car rentals vacation? More than 200 years of history are housed inside the walls of this fortress, making for one exciting afternoon adventure.
Protecting New York City: Castle Clinton and its original function
Castle Clinton is the direct product of the conflict which raged between France and Great Britain during the Napoleonic era. During this time the English made a conscious effort to seize American ships and impress their seamen into the British Navy. This conflict climaxed in 1807 when the British openly attacked the Chesapeake American frigate. The fear of further attacks would quickly prompt the virtually defenseless city of NYC to fortify its surroundings. Five forts were quickly built, including what was then known as the South-west Battery Fortress. Circular in shape, the South-west Battery Fortress originally stood in about 35 feet of water, more than 200 feet from shore. A drawbridge was used to connect the fort to mainland Manhattan. Completed in 1881, the South-west Battery Fortress never saw battle, though the guns stood ready during the war of 1812. By the end of the war the fortress had transformed from a military base into a military headquarters. The name was also changed in honor of Mayor DeWitt, and ceded to the City of New York. Since then the castle has function as a place of public entertainment, an immigrant landing depot and the temporary site of the New York Aquarium.
Travel back in time with a visit to Castle Clinton
Castle Clinton is now recognized as a national monument due to its historical importance. Walls from the original 1811 fortress remain intact at the site, while the interior has been completely renovated by recent generations. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals are encouraged to begin their vacation with a visit to this innovative historical site, as it now functions as a visitor’s center for the national parks of Manhattan. A number of exciting outdoor activities are also hosted at the castle throughout the year. Guided tours of the site are offered daily at 10am, noon and 2pm and last for about 20 minutes. Tours illustrate the colorful history of the castle as well as its cultural significance. Tours are performed by park rangers dressed in 1812 military garb. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals are also encouraged to visit the onsite bookstore and information desk for more information about local park happenings and events. If you wish to prolong your adventure at Castle Clinton, AAMCAR New York Car Rentals recommends purchasing a ferry ticket for transportation to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
If you’re interested in learning more about New York City’s rich military history AAMCAR New York Car Rentals highly recommends visiting the Castle Clinton National Monument. The castle is open daily (except December 25th) from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Please note that the site may be closed due to extreme weather conditions without warning. Ferry tickets to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty can be purchased inside the castle. A number of exhibits are also on display for customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals inside the castle.
