Castle Clinton National Monument

Park Historic circular fort and former immigration gateway in Manhattan

At the southern tip of Manhattan’s Battery Park, Castle Clinton is a 19th-century circular fort that later served as an immigrant landing and now houses exhibits and the Statue of Liberty ferry departures.

Castle Clinton National Monument is a circular fort and early 19th-century structure located at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park, New York City. Built between 1808 and 1811, it is a preserved federal monument managed by the National Park Service.

Constructed as a coastal fortification in the early 1800s, the building was later adapted for civilian uses including public entertainment and as New York’s first immigration center in the 19th century before immigration processing moved to Ellis Island. It was designated a national monument and preserved for its historical significance.

Castle Clinton sits at the southernmost point of Manhattan in Battery Park, adjacent to New York Harbor and within walking distance of the Financial District and nearby subway services.

Ferry access: Serves as the primary departure and ticketing point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; visitors often purchase timed tickets in advance during peak season.

How to Get to Castle Clinton National Monument #

Castle Clinton National Monument is at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park. Take the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green (about a 2-3 minute walk) or the 1 train to South Ferry (about an 8-10 minute walk). The Staten Island Ferry arrives at the Whitehall Terminal, which is about a 5-10 minute walk to Castle Clinton.

By car it is at Manhattan’s southern tip; from Midtown Manhattan expect roughly 5 miles and 20-35 minutes of driving depending on traffic. Street and garage parking are limited in Lower Manhattan.

Tips for Visiting Castle Clinton National Monument #

If your goal is to catch a Statue of Liberty ferry, buy Statue Cruises tickets online in advance and arrive early-Battery Park lines build quickly and advance tickets save a lot of waiting.
Don't overlook Castle Clinton itself: when ferry lines are long, step inside the fort to view the short historical exhibits and interpretive panels that many passersby miss.