Castle Garden

In my recent post on the Nicklas and Schmidt families, I mentioned the former, pre-Ellis Island immigration center in New York City, Castle Garden. Castle Garden, or what remains of it, is located at Battery Park, the southern tip of Manhattan. As it turns out, a last minute trip to New York this week allowed me to stop by for a visit!

Lady Liberty as seen from Battery Park.

Joe and I both have ancestors who entered the US by way of the Castle Garden Immigration Center. I'm actually surprised that Castle Garden isn't as popular or well known as Ellis Island. I had far more ancestors enter New York in the 19th century than I did in the 20th, which makes Castle Garden a more significant site for my family.

Present Day

Castle Garden Immigration Center

Now known as Castle Clinton, the building has undergone several renovations and has had many functions (originally a fort, and it once served as an aquarium!) over the years. Now it is basically the facade that remains, but it serves as the host to open air concerts in the summer. There is a small museum and a Park Rangers Office also located within the remains of the building. Unfortunately, I arrived too late in the day to visit the museum or hear the guided history tour. I did however enjoy walking around, seeing that first glance of New York as my ancestors would've, and taking in the great views at Battery Park (both of the skyline and the harbor with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty).

The exterior of Castle Clinton.

The ticket office for Ellis island is located inside of Castle Clinton, which means most families probably race through it, pick up their tickets, and head to the docks without realizing where they are standing! It surely is not as impressive a sight as Ellis Island, and it doesn't take long to go through all the historical offerings, but Castle Clinton is a worthwhile tourist spot. My only recommendation? Go in the summer, when it'll be warm and you'll have a better chance of catching the concert series. Also, there is a seasonal restaurant there in Battery Park that offers great views of the Harbor. 

The first view of New York City, as seen through the doors of Castle Garden.

All in all, a great way to start my trip! I hope you enjoyed the pictures!