Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, New York City, was authorized in 1946 to preserve a brick fortress that had been built there in 1808-11, directly prior to the War of 1812. The one-acre site has served many functions since the fort was built. After the Civil War it was called Castle Garden and used as an immigration center. From 1896 until 1941 it was the home of the New York Aquarium. In 1986 it was renovated to serve a dual function: museum and visitor center.