Governors Island Swim
The 2-mile Governors Island Swim is a near-circumnavigation swim around Governors Island in New York City organized by New York Open Water with views of The Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Contents
Course
Swimmers jump into the water at Castle Williams, swim counterclockwise around Governors Island, and end at Pier 101. Governors Island is accessible by ferries departing from both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Ferry terminals are close to the A, C, 1, 2, 3, N, R, W, 4, 5, J, and Z trains in Manhattan, and the 2, 3, 4, 5, and R trains in Brooklyn.
Origin
The Native Americans in the Manhattan region referred to the Governors Island as Paggank or “nut island.” The island was ideal for defending New York Harbor during times of war, was used as a platform to fire on British ships during the American Revolution, and served as a Confederate prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. Today, it is a designated historic district, and is open to the public for recreation from May-October.
Date
1 July 2017
Type
River
