Cultural Landscape Report for Governors Island National Monument, Vol. 1, Site History, Existing Conditions and Analysis

Nowak, Lisa

The cultural landscape report for Governors Island includes three primary sections, a site history, a review of existing conditions, and a landscape analysis and evaluation. The site history documents broad changes made to the landscape from Native American habitation to the present day. Information regarding physical changes made during times of peace and during times of military conflict is presented. Additionally, the site history addresses the evolution of the island’s landform - its expansion from a small rocky island into the 172 acres that exist today - and associated land use changes. While the most detailed information is presented about features found within the National Monument boundary, the history of the entire island has been presented to provide an understanding of the island’s evolution in its entirety and the larger context for the National Monument property. The site history was researched and written at a level of investigation consistent with that of “Thorough Historical Research,” as defined by “A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Processes and Techniques. - Landscape Lines #2 Levels of Investigation.” This included the use of readily available primary and secondary sources. Research was undertaken at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland and the Center for Military History in Carlisle, Virginia. The project team sought narrative and graphic information from the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and the Museum of the City of New York. Primary research was synthesized with secondary source material, notably the recently completed historic structures reports for Castle Williams and Fort Jay and the Historic Resource Study for the National Monument. Findings are presented as a narrative containing supporting graphics. The site history narrative is subdivided into historical periods that coincide with significant events such as the purchase or sale of the property, or the beginning and end of an important period of landscape stewardship. Documentation of existing landscape conditions is accomplished through narrative text, photographs, and graphic plans. Plan documentation is based on the best currently available survey information supplied by the park and by onsite observation. The island’s structures are referenced to the park's List of Classified Structures (LCS), but the primary emphasis is placed on documenting landscape conditions. Contemporary site functions, visitor services, interpretation, park operations, and maintenance are described to the degree they influence the treatment of the landscape. The analysis and evaluation of the Governors Island National Monument landscape evaluates the site’s historical significance using criteria determined by the National Register of Historic Places program. A discussion of the landscape’s integrity is included to determine whether current conditions reflect the site’s appearance during the period of significance. Additionally, the landscape evaluation draws on the findings of the site history and existing conditions components of this report to identify landscape characteristics and associated features that contribute to the historic character of the National Monument. This section is organized using seven landscape characteristics, including views and vistas, spatial organization, land use, circulation, vegetation, buildings and structures, and small scale features.

Cultural Landscape Report for Governors Island National Monument, Vol. 1, Site History, Existing Conditions and Analysis

Series