The original inhabitants of Governors Island were the Lenape Native American tribe. The island had an abundance of oak, hickory, and chestnut trees, leading the Lenape to call the island Paggank – Nut Island.
The Dutch arrived in New York in the 1620’s. For their first winter in the New World, they lived on Governor’s Island. These new settlers called the island Nooten Eyelandt (also Nut Island).
The island was purchased for private ownership in 1637, for the price of several nails, a couple of ax heads, and a string of beads. The Dutch government seized the island in 1638.
The English took New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664. The island was then known as Nutten Island. The island was a private place for governors; it was used for the “benefit and accommodation of His Majesty’s Governors.”
The island was a strategically located military area throughout several wars.
This day is known as Changeover Day, because it was the changing of one military's presence to another on the island. From 1966 to 1995, Governors Island was an operations base and residential area for the United States Coast Guard.
The island fell under the hands of the federal government, who sold 150 acres to New York under the condition that the island was strictly for public benefit. This prohibited permanent housing and casinos. The remaining 22 acres are a national monument and are managed by the National Park Service.
Control of Governors Island transfers from the State of New York to the City of New York. The state did not have enough funds to redevelop the island, and the Bloomberg administration was very willing to take charge of the island's projects and development. Bloomberg then created the not-for-profit Trust for Governors Island, which is in charge of all operations and redevelopment plans. The Empire State Development oversaw the transfer of power.
The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, a public high school, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Arts Center opened. The Harbor school has a 69 year lease with the Trust for Governors Island. The Arts Center has a ten year permit with the Trust.
After spending over $260 million to build new public spaces spanning 30 acres, the Trust asks the public for ideas and proposals that will utilize the Historic District buildings, a space totaling over 1 million square feet.
The Trust issues a Request for Expressions of Interest, asking non-profits, cultural groups, educational institutions and others to pitch their ideas for the development of the 33 acre park on the south side of the island.
Thanks to the City of New York, the Trust, and countless organizations and individuals, Governors Island is now a self-sustaining, public island getaway!
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