National Monument #2 – Castle Clinton, New York, NY

We visited our second National Monument last week – Castle Clinton in Battery Park, Manhattan. The big cross country trip happened since Sean had a work trip in New York City and the girls and I tagged along. It was perfect – we were able to see both of our families and I even got to surprise one of my best friends for her baby shower. Before we left NYC en route to Rhode Island though, we made sure to head downtown to Battery Park to see the Castle Clinton National Monument.

Yellow cabs and Battery Park

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Park Service, United States, Department of the Interior

Panorama from inside Castle Clinton

The original fort.

With a roof added for entertainment uses.

Did you know Castle Clinton was the site for immigration processing until 1890 when it was moved to Ellis Island? Neither did I! It was originally built as a fort for the War of 1812, then used as a place of public entertainment, then the immigration depot, then an aquarium (!), became a national monument in 1946, and now serves as the departure point for tours to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Phew! For a place so rich in history, it can easily get overshadowed by it’s more popular neighbors. But this is what also makes this National Monument a great destination – so much to see and learn in a matter of blocks!

The Merchant Mariner Memorial

Korean War Memorial

The Sphere (damaged during 9/11) and Eternal Flame

One World Trade viewed from Battery Park

I had never been to the 9/11 Memorial and considering it was a relatively short walk, it seemed crazy to me not to go.

Needless to say, it was a little overwhelming. That spot in NYC is a defining moment for my generation and it brings with it a lot of emotions. Even still, I feel blessed to have been able to go there and to pay my respects to all those who died tragically that day.