Castle Clinton: the fort in Battery Park, New York

Castle Clinton is a fort that once guarded the southern tip of Manhattan. It's the mandatory departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

What You Need to Know About Castle Clinton

Castle Clinton is a small circular fort located in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan. You’ll almost certainly pass through it during your visit to New York. The fort is the departure point for ferries to Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. This is where you’ll buy your tickets to the statue or present your New York passes, such as the New York City Pass and the New York Explorer Pass, both of which include access to the Statue of Liberty.
Most visitors barely glance at Castle Clinton, focused on catching their ferry to the statue. But the fort is worth your attention. Built in 1811, Castle Clinton has nothing to do with Bill or Hillary Clinton. It originally stood on a small island separate from Manhattan, called West Battery. As New York expanded, Battery Park was enlarged and landfill connected the island to Manhattan.
The fort’s military career was short-lived. From 1855 to 1892, before Ellis Island opened, it served as an immigration reception center. From 1896 to 1940, it was converted into an aquarium before falling into disrepair. In the 1970s, the fort was designated a historic landmark and restoration began.

If you’re heading to the Statue of Liberty, you won’t have time to explore Castle Clinton—focus on boarding your ferry. Instead, plan to visit the fort when you return from the statue.
Cross the central courtyard and enter the small Castle Clinton museum on the left side of the entrance. Admission is free. The visit is brief but worthwhile. You’ll find a series of models and photographs that trace the fort’s history from its construction to today. You’ll see what Manhattan looked like in 1886 and how the city has grown.
Few tourists take the time to explore the museum, so you’ll have the space to spend as long as you like.