The Governors Island is a 72-hectare island located at the southern part of Manhattan Island in Upper New York Bay. It is geographically separated from Brooklyn via Buttermilk Channel but legally, the island is still under the territory of Manhattan. When the Lexington Avenue subway was constructed in 1900s, the Governors Island expanded additional landfill with an area of 33 hectares.

The island is divided into two jurisdictions. The northern part of the island which comprises 150 acres is under the state of New York while the remaining 22 hectares are is under the United States Department of Interior. This area is branded as the Governors Island National Monument and is being administered by the National Park Service.

The Fort Jay and the Castle William are the two of the most historical sites in the area which were declared as National Monument on January 2001. The former was built in 18th century and was considered as the oldest structure in the island. It served as station for earthworks and timbers during the late 1800?s and later became a prison for captured Confederates officers in American Civil War. The latter, on the other hand, became a garrison of captured Confederates soldiers.

The open space to the public of the Governors Island occasionally held art exhibits, fairs, festivals, and concerts. People can enjoy bicycling, walking tours, and picnicking. There is also an artificial beach operated by New York Water Taxi in the northern most part of the island. Visitors can reach the island by boarding a ferry boat from either Brooklyn or Manhattan. All ferry boat rides are for free.