Battery Park is a 25-acres park located near the Financial District, in the southern tip of Manhattan, facing the New York Harbor. The Battery is named for the artillery battery that was stationed in the area at various times by the Dutch and British in order to protect the New York Harbor. The park features some nice squares, many sculptures, memorials and monuments. It spreads along the lower shore of Manhattan and features various activities, some of which include cycling, jogging, walking along the smooth paths of the park and taking the children to the numerous playgrounds.
Battery Park is an important historical site. Built in the 18th century, Battery Park has several monuments, statues and memorials installed around the park. These monuments serve as dedication and honor for those who involved about the history of the park, as well as New York City itself.
One of the main sights in the park is the historic Castle Clinton. It was built between 1808 and 1811 to defend New York during the anticipated War of Independence. Once the war was over, it became a cultural center for the city of New York. From 1855 to 1890, it served as America’s first official immigration center (Ellis Island opened in 1892). These days, Castle Clinton is used as the ticket office for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries.
One of the best features of Battery Park are the Gardens, particularly the Garden of Remembrance. The Garden of Remembrance is the famous Garden in Battery Park designed by Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf and planted on May 8th, 2003 with different native plants, grass and flowers. The garden was created to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center and those who survived. There is also a memorial which features an eternal flame lit on the first anniversary of the attacks – it burns in front of the mangled sculpture “The Sphere for Plaza Fountain“, which adorned the World Trade Center Plaza prior to the 9/11 attacks.
Batter Park provides stunning views of the Hudson river along with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in the background. You can also find wonderful views of the sweeping Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the skylines of Brooklyn and Queens, Governors Island and Staten Island. At the south end of Battery Park is the Staten Island ferry.
