I was there in the Coast Guard for three months in 1987. You could drink milkshakes from their Burger King while sitting alone in the middle of a soccer field, gazing at the nighttime Manhattan skyline highlighted by the Twin Towers. No matter how much money you had, you could not pay for that experience.

@juddlentz1115

Жыл бұрын

That sounds fantastic

@Mr.Robert1

Жыл бұрын

Yes for a point in my life I was living in Staten Island and working in downtown Manhattan right by the World Trade Center on Nassau Street in the financial district. When I had extra time I used to take the ferry from Staten Island to downtown passing the Statue of Liberty seeing the New York skyline on the way to work and at night on the way back yes that was definitely an amazing view. That was the reason I went back in the Air Force after the Saudis decided that it was their job to take down the too buildings where my brother and brother-in-law worked I decided to serve another 8 years and support troops on the ground.

@JCNY718

Жыл бұрын

My father was a firefighter on the island up until he retired In 2001. I can confirm that Burger King was a godsend as a kid. Used to go to a pool on the island then BK after. 4th of July on the island was always great as well.

@johnpentony

Жыл бұрын

Why Burger King?

@Mr.Robert1

Жыл бұрын

@@johnpentony His childhood memory of being with his dad then going to BK for a bite to eat. That's what it sounds like to me.

I grew up on Governors Island. Moved off the base back in 1990. ( pop retired ). Moved to Staten Island. Now I’m upstate NY. Went back to the base last year with my spouse for a visit. Major changes everywhere!!! I’ve always said, if I could go back I would in a heart beat. The best place growing up as a child!

@pisces1017

Жыл бұрын

I was there then as well, such a wonderful place to grow up.

Our son was born in the hospital there in 1959.

I was a member of the US Army Band of New York City, stationed (at that time) at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. This was for three years (1986-1988). We performed ceremonial music at Governor's Island Coast Guard Station on a semi-regular basis, and I *loved* taking the ferry out there. It was like an oasis after the ceaseless sounds and lights of Manhattan and Brooklyn. We played many ceremonies and concerts leading up to the reopening of the Statue of Liberty in July 1986. President Reagan's reviewing stand and the main stage for the televised ceremony were at the western shore of the south end of the island (which has a fantastic view of the statue). I used to love exploring (as much as was permitted) the old fortresses of the area, including Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, just across the narrows from Fort Hamilton, the two fortifications on Governor's Island, Fort Totten in Queens, and Fort Hamilton itself. It was a great time to live (and be stationed) there. I miss it just about every day. I was sad when the USCG handed it over. That was a beautiful base, just like the photos in this video. Thanks for posting this video.

@petermann8214

Жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing this story!

@coreybrothersyt4705

Жыл бұрын

I'm no reading all of that

@sanddabz5635

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like it was a great and special time in your life! Cool story🙂

@holton345

Жыл бұрын

@@coreybrothersyt4705 I'm no caring.

@coreybrothersyt4705

Жыл бұрын

@@holton345 who ask

i was stationed at Governors island while i was in the US Coast Guard. it was a great place to be stationed at . we had great base housing highrise apartment buildings and the views were fantastic.it was a very quiet place and hard to believe how close we were to all the great broadway shows over in Manhatten. the ferry ride to and from the island was fantastic and after a night out at Times Square we would pick up a pizza at the ferry terminal. i was on the island from 1965 to 1967 with the COTP Port Security.

@Amethyst_Dragon_

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service 💖

@josephkanowitz6875

Жыл бұрын

ב''ה, was great to see how well DoD treated veterans back then.

@scootertrash911

Жыл бұрын

I loved being stationed there.

@mrbibstoo

Жыл бұрын

I too, was fortunate to have spent 9 weeks of my life on the island in 1974 attending the USCG ATON (Aids to Navigation) school and the cheese pizza served from the ferry terminal was the best I've ever had. 😉

@184Ridgerunner

Жыл бұрын

A-School in 1978. Got to admit, it was a unusual little safe zone in big ole' NYC. How bout walking the fire watch thru the attics of the old buildings.

I had friends who lived in Governers Island because their dads were stationed there. It closed when I was like a Junior in high school, and I remember hearing how heartbreaking it was for those who lived there when the community got upended

I enjoyed Governor's Island like 15 years ago before it was built up as a tourist attraction. It was a great relaxing place to hang out, have a picnic, and just relax. No one knew it was there. The ferry was free then. My kids would beg to go there almost every weekend in the summer months. Now it's been built up so much as a tourist attraction, it's crowded.

@sct4040

Жыл бұрын

Everything in NYC is now a paid attraction when once it was free. Such a terrible shame. The Entrepe (spelling ?) was one. My hubby and I went to many free or low cost attractions when dating in the 80s.

@dilliam1702

Жыл бұрын

@@sct4040 Gov Island is still free, lol. They just turned it into a large park with some other amenities.

@americanwelder9865

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

@GraveTender333

Жыл бұрын

Come

@GraveTender333

Жыл бұрын

It being a tourist spot. Helps a agenda from long ago. place actual fact surround today event that are infecting our now's, what to

While in the US Coast Guard, during the early 80's late 70's I attended many different training classes. All the technical training schools were eventually relocated to California. I have many happy memories of my time there. I'm an avid bicyclist, and enjoyed riding the circuit around the island. The big controversy involving Burger King moving onto the island. Had a bird's eye view of the spectacular fireworks display during the Brooklyn Bridge's centennial celebration. Many snowball fights with the kids from the elementary school located across the street from the barracks. Waking up to the spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty. So many memories.

@americanwelder9865

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

@SCRB1GR3D98

Жыл бұрын

And those are the kind of memories you can't buy.

Failed to mention that the origin al island was only 1/3 its current size. The remainder is landfill from the original subway excavation!

@Sedgewise47

Жыл бұрын

Yeah-back then, there was none of that “environmental impact” BS that serves to hamstring so much development these days…

@ag1382

Жыл бұрын

I believe it was the fill from the Battery Tunnel, not subways.

@samanthab1923

Жыл бұрын

Like Battery Park. All built on landfill

@Cryptonymicus

Жыл бұрын

@@Sedgewise47 Yeah, back then you could literally poison millions of people and get away with it and so much the better if you made a buck because that's what capitalism is all about lol.

@SuikodenGR

Жыл бұрын

This

I was there two weeks ago and I go there often. It's great. I highly recommend it. I've been a regular visitor since 2008.

I stayed 2 nights with my Boy Scout troop in the barracks in 1994. The bowling alley was still open along with the PX.

@samanthab1923

Жыл бұрын

Supposedly they had their own movie theater too

I was an Army "Brat" in the 60s and my father was assigned to HQ, First Army. I have many fond memories of GI and the many friends I made among other "Brats". All the High School students took the GI Ferry to Manhattan then the Staten Island Ferry to Curtis High School on SI. I was generally a "good boy", but I will now admit that I was one of the Island "gang" who occasionally stuffed the barrel of the evening salute gun with feathers and golf balls and hide my smile as feathers filled the air and golf balls sprayed NYC harbor.

@chrisstaples703

Жыл бұрын

You should be prosecuted for attempted manslaughter.

Great video. I have never heard of Governors Island. Awesome material. Thanks for posting.

I too, was fortunate to have spent 9 weeks of my life on the island in 1974 attending the USCG ATON (Aids to Navigation) school and the cheese pizza served from the ferry terminal was the best I've ever had. 😉

Great show. So professional.

Great video I saw that island when I went to the Statue of Liberty but had no idea what it was but noticed from afar the fortifications and it had peaked my curiosity but had totally forgot about it till now watching this very fascinating

I was on the island waiting for the ferry in 1965 when all the power went out in NY city. Was sort of neat seeing all the lights go off and only car lights too see. Until we were told we couldn’t get off the island till the tide came it as the ramps to the ferry weren’t working. Took four hours to get home.

@Bob61944

Жыл бұрын

@Williams Susan I’m doing great for my age I guess. 😀

@Bob61944

Жыл бұрын

@Williams Susan I’m enjoying the nice weather.

@bustermot

Жыл бұрын

It's funny that nothing has changed. Those ferry ramps can still be thrown off by excessive tides or power issues. Good story.

Even the forgotten borough Staten Island is of Revolutionary War importance. On the southern end of Staten Island (which is also the southernmost point of New York state) is a very interesting spot called the Conference House. It was the site of the failed Staten Island Peace Conference where Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Admiral Lord Howe met to discuss a peaceful end for the Revolutionary War on September 11, 1776 (coincidence? I think NOT). Because Lord Howe didn't have the power to recognize the colonies' independence (since he is not the king), the conference failed after just THREE HOURS and the British resumed their military campaign to control the city. Which of course, prompted the Continental Army to continue on the fight for the greater good.

@ag1382

Жыл бұрын

Fort Wadsworth

My Dad was stationed there as an O-2 back in the late 70s. I was a preschooler, and remember enjoying the ferry rides back and forth to Manhattan, and having the Statue of Liberty right outside our quarters window (the area Reagan stood outside of during the '86 Statue relighting ceremony). Wish I could have gone back before all the housing was torn down to see it again as an adult.

Thank you for sharing.

Very interesting. Thank you, Ryan.

Remember when the History Channel used to show history?

Great job, thank you very much

You need to do a similar vid of San Francisco fortifications: Angel Island (AKA Ellis Island West), The Presidio (and its pet cemetary for Army pets), Alcatraz (prison and 1st lighthouse on the West Coast), and coastal gun fortifications (still in place since the Civil War in some spots).

Looks like an amazing place to visit while in NYC. Kind of reminds me of a couple islands I grew up by as a kid South Bass and Johnsons Island. Both used in the same wars as similar outpost obviously not as vital but similar back stories. Also beautiful locations especially in the summer months. Great video as usual 👏

Former art/video teacher at 104 and had many students from GI which gave me and my classes access to Visit GI, bowling alleys and PX. We had lots of fun wandering around the island and invited to one of the officers home who gave us a tour. Fond memories🌺

Thanks for sharing

I was in coast guard auxiliary and was a paramedic for city. I often went on cutters to help with medical stuff. I worked with rescue divers who also were state medics. Floyd Bennet field was my favorite site. But Burger King that had a bear tap and a bowling alley, that was something else. 😊

BRAVO! EXCELLENT VIDEO!! Earned you a subscribe!

love this content

As a NYC Resident that work just a few blocks and 1 ferry ride away from the Island, it truly is an amazing place to get away from the noisy city but not too far away. Plenty of event occur here - Roaring 20s Era events Halloween Events Food Cart Events Etc. Plenty of stuff to do here for all ages.

Good Report.

I can’t imagine how they got there in canoes? Maybe only at slack tide? Cause you still had the rapids at hells gate, and the tides are so strong through the east river. When we brought barges over there we had to keep it in gear to offload. Great video as always. Would love Gardners Island video and the very interesting history of it, Plum and the gulls. The only lordship left in the US.

@samanthab1923

Жыл бұрын

I remember Lion Gardiner growing up. My grandparents bought a place in East Hampton when my mom was in HS. 50’s. Still private. Might be some tours on YT. Nothing new though. Plum is highly protected. Off limits. Supposedly where Lyme disease came from

The Lenape: We call this island Paggank The Dutch: Got it! So we'll call it Noten Eylandt British colonials: *Hehe, Nutten Island* British governors: ...we should change this before it gets out of hand. This island would make a prime location for a secret headquarters of ours to watch Americans and promote Juche ideals

I was stationed there from 1969-1973 with the USCG. I worked at AMVER a computerized seach and rescue center. I have a lot of fond memories there. We ( wife and I ) lived at Ft. Hamilton but I commuted to Govenor's Island for work. The building is still standing on the right in your video as you come off the ferry.

Very good job. Thank you

I was a child there in 1963-64. Went to public school 26. Great place to grow up.

I was stationed there from 1980 to 1985. Best gig I ever had in the USCG !!! I loved GI and proud to say I lived there for 5 years

It was a good video than I expected

Thank You For Sharing 🇺🇲

I lived there from 1992 to 1996 when CG operations stopped. My children went to the elementary school on the island, and they loved growing up there. The view for 4th of July fireworks was amazing!!

I love this place, nice to know some of it's history.

Iam Yellow Cab Driver since 86 straight out of Africa and still love living in# Our City NYC. and driving, learning and enjoying Our City NYC.

My family went there to visit my Uncle and his family. He was in the Coast Guard. I remember lying in my cousin’s bed which had a terrific view out the window of the Statue of Liberty. What a view! They lived in a high rise apartment, which I can’t remember. Only the view out that bedroom window. It was in the 70’s.

@pisces1017

Жыл бұрын

That was bldg 877. I lived on the 2nd floor which was the 1st floor of residences. It was a 2 story residence and the top floor was our living space. Wall to Wall windows of the statue and lower Manhattan.

Bro that music at the beginning was perfect ‼️

Attended the USCG National Search & Rescue School on GI three weeks as an O-3 in 1983. What a great experience. Sailed into New York Harbor on EAGLE in 1986 for Operation Sail- the Rededication of the Statue of Liberty. GI served as Command Center. Saddened when the USCG decided to leave this special place. Retired USCG Captain.

I was stationed there in 1992 Coast Guard pollution response office. Wow it was a great time. Lots of memories and enjoying the city. Best pizza! I lived in the new barracks. Great view of everything. The harbor patrols floatable debris reports were my favorite. Got to see so much.

I worked on G.I. for 16 years 1987 to 2003 with the Police Department, I was one of the groups of people who had stay behind as caretakers for G.I. it was like a huge ghost town there... so sad 😪

When nyc took possession of island 2003 i was stationed there with fire dept as a security post in case of any fires..it was in transition and empty ghost town...today it has become a park and tourist attraction with concerts etc...a very special historic place indeed ...good informative video

@bustermot

Жыл бұрын

I heard the Firemen at first thought it would be a lame post, then realized it was probably the best out there.

Wow, so many comments that’s actually lived in or experienced something regarding this place. Cool stories and video!

@bustermot

Жыл бұрын

It makes me think the stories should be catalogued properly. A few hundred years from now somebody would appreciate that I bet.

Fantastic 🤗

Ryan, you always do such a nice job! Thank you and keep up the good work!

I was stationed there 1972 to 1975 assigned to Commander Third Coast Guard District. Lived on Staten Island and rode the Staten Island and Coast Guard Governors Island ferry every morning and evening.

Wow, verrrry interesting!!! I’m 💯 Dutch! Thanks, as always.

This is amazing. I grew up on Long Island in the 50s and 60s, fewer than 20 miles as the crow flies from the place. Governor's Island was always a mystery - a military base in a city where you never, ever saw a uniform, a shadow on the horizon and forbidden to civilians like us. I had no idea of the history - other than it being a military base - anything. As one who despises almost everything associated with New York, I would love to visit the place. Where do you get the ferry? Manhattan or Brooklyn?

@thinkingguy9085

Жыл бұрын

The GI ferry is next to the SI ferry at the tip of Manhattan.

I could go on and on about the history of Governor's Island, far more than is appropriate for this spot. But I can properly say it's a magnificent spot for a wonderfully easy full-day trip by any New Yorker or tourist visiting the city!

Stationed there twice while in the Coast Guard 1970-1972 and 1973-1975 at ETA School. Loved it!

Wonderful video. One of my favourite computer games is called Freedom Fighters, which takes place in an alternate timeline where Soviets win WWII and then decades later invade New York. It features mostly Manhattan and Brooklyn, but the later levels are set on a snowy atmospheric Governor's Island, and I had no idea that Fort Jay really existed 😯

The big white building in the north east corner is a ventilation tower for the Brooklyn battery tunnel. The island is mostly a park and a public high school. I did an internship for the governor island ferry in high school.

wow a secret island!! That anyone can visit and tour the museums. Thanks for the info. Hopefully you can also cover the secret park in central New York city some day.

@criticaltheories5222

Жыл бұрын

Ha Ha Ha

@lylecoglianese1645

Жыл бұрын

@F1083, wait ….. there’s a PARK in CENTRAL New York City?? What’s the name of that place?? 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔

@F1083

Жыл бұрын

@@lylecoglianese1645 If I tell you then it won't be a secret. Then this channel won't be able to make a video about it and they wont get any money from youtube resulting in the collapse of the world economy resulting in billions starving creating a situation where cannibalism becomes the norm.

@lylecoglianese1645

Жыл бұрын

@@F1083, good point! After Hunter, you’re the smartest guy I know! 🤪 I don't want to be responsible for the downfall of the planet! I have forgotten what we were discussing already. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Wait .... I see flashing lights and a lot of yelling outside - oh no….. now the door just got kicked in. I think ……..late ……

@ronniedelahoussayechauvin6717

Жыл бұрын

LoL🤣🤣🤣Same Thoughts🤣 Secret Society!

Awesome video Cool secret island I would totally live there if it was allowed

I'm a native New Yorker and this is very informative. Thank you.☺️

How’d you do the google earth drone shot in the first few scenes? Great job.

I've always thought this would be the perfect place for an F1 track... Just build a bridge over to the mainland, and then you'd have an incredible venue with views of the skyline.

Cool! Never head of it. Very interesting!👍💪🇺🇸

There's also a public High school on there called New York Harbor School, I graduated before they moved to the island tho.

Nice!!!!!

Since it's a secret as stated in the title everyone that watches this video has to promise not to tell.

@epolk1968

Жыл бұрын

Them and the 800,000 people who visit annually. Shhh! It's a big secret! 🙄

This is the most amazing place. I would recommend 100x. Peaceful. Amazing views. Amazing food.

Did my USCG GM training there. Nice station.

Lived there for @ 2 yrs '75 to '76 while in the Coast Guard. Picture window in my apt. framed the Statue of Liberty. Ring side seat for bicentennial fireworks and tall ships.

When my father was in the Army my family lived on Governor's Island briefly. I still remember the huge apartment building we lived in. I was very young and I don't remember much, but I do remember seeing the NYC skyline from our building and also the Statue of Liberty, but barely. I know we didn't live there for very long because we then moved to Long Island. My father was stationed at Fort Dix I think, and my youngest sister was born there in 1963. After that we were transferred to Leighton barracks near Würzburg Germany.

I was stationed on Governors Island in 1987 and 1988 while in the Coast Guard. Worked at the Fire Station, the Operations Center, and eventuality went to Electronics Technician school there. Stayed in the barracks for a while that were directly across from the Statue of Liberty. Quite a view for a young man from Florida. It was an all around great experience, even when I had to commute from Staten Island once my family arrived. The spectacular scenery made the two ferry rides worth the trouble. Thanks for providing this interesting video.

@americanwelder9865

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

I lived on GOVIS for seven years. Such an oasis.

@pisces1017

Жыл бұрын

I lived there 5 years, wonderful place to grow up.

I lived on the island in 1955. Big caterpillars...great view of the city, lots of play area. I think a shot of Richard Widmark leaving a building in Panic In The Streets was filmed there...and the building was where I lived...so my mother would tell me. Army school buses would pick us up. Besides the driver, a WAC would accompany us on the bus. I always tried to sit next to her. Hubba hubba.

I and my two older brothers were born on Governors Island when the US Army had it. The US.Coast Guard took over the island around 1965. I used to watch the Queen Mary go by when it came to NY. One time, I saw a crate full of bananas flowing in the Hudson Bay River that was awesome. Governors Island had another name for it ( Fort Jay). I was born in 1960 my brothers were born in 1956 and 1958. Yes, I'm old. I remember a tall building with a large opening in the middle of it and downstairs the building had jails inside. After leaving Fort Jay (Governors Island) we moved to New Jersey then Maryland station at FT. MEADE. My dad was stationed there at the First Army Headquarters.

West of Brooklyn, not east.

Loved living on the island. Good times!

An almost unknown land approach just off the northern tip of the island. There is an emergency stairwell that goes down to the Hugh Carey automotive tunnel (formerly named the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel) that runs between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The tunnel is quite long and a midpoint exit provides fire safety to motorists . There’s a large ventilation fan like others I’ve seen in subway tunnels in the city.

@DMETS519

Жыл бұрын

I thought that vent structure was for the Brooklyn Battery tunnel. Is it connected to a subway too?

@distar97

Жыл бұрын

@@DMETS519 Your correct. I changed my comment.

I went there on a class trip when I was a kid. One of my classmate's dad worked there. This was back in the late 70s.

11:45- it’s the HMNZS Taranaki F421 Awesome to see that 😂

How about a video with some must have books on New York, Chicago, Detroit etc., etc., architecture? 😉😁

I was in ET & Loran-C school there from March to Sept. in 1985. "Roach coach on the approach!" I loved throwing frisbee with a friend at the World Trade Center on a slow Sunday morning. Then back on the ferry for lunch. My son worked at a festival on the island about 4 years ago, when he was attending Stevens in Hoboken.

Old Coast Guard Rumor. When the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was being planned, it was offered to connect the island to the tunnel. The Army had the island at that time and they declined the offer because it would have messed up the Golf Course.

@bustermot

Жыл бұрын

Thank God the Army was so forward thinking in so many areas. Mayor Laguardia also wanted to build a major airport on the island and the army threw up Liggett across the middle of the island partially to stop that from happening.

Those silly Liberty Mutual Insurance commercials with Lady Liberty in the background across the bay to the West are supposed to appear to be shot at Picnic Point.

My dad was stationed here from 79-81 and I lived there as a child for those years. It was an amazing place to live, but man where there some roaches haha. It's a little weird to see everything I knew completely gone. Even more strange was on the google Earth street view to see our old apartment after it was used for fire training purposes, and placed I used to play bein overgrown and post apocalyptic in appearance.

Anyone know the name of the song in the beginning?

Never heard of that island before.

stayed on here in 1982 and 1986.was on a trip to usa with uk youth sea cadets.we used thsi as as main stay point.as we was guests of the US coast guard which involved a fair few events as the group i was had a band and was the top uk sea cadet band and had won many competion back in uk.i was not part of the band but we had to marsh behind then in parades where ever they arranged for parades.was put up in the school for the stay.girls in one area and boys in another.we had full access to the pool and few otehrs things there to for free.

I was Stationed there in 1977/78 when it was the USCG Training Center

What's that big white building sitting in the water a few feet offshore from the island? I am a former New Yorker, so I know. It is a structure built to provide ventilation for an underwater automobile traffic tunnel, probably the nearby East River tunnel.

It's not east of Brooklyn as stated at 0:10 It's west of Brooklyn.

🙋‍♂️ I got to Governors Island, a few days a year, every year, as a volunteer for the New York City Poetry Festival!

I work on this island and boy is it awesome.

I worked with the USCG on GI for 9 years and based much of my Master's thesis on it. I learned a lot from this video, but I wonder how you can make a video about the history of GI and not mention that less than half of it is original and that roughly 2/3 was created with fill when the dug out the Brooklyn Battery tunnel. That is why housing built on that fill in the 80s began to crack and the families had to be moved out. Also (speaking about the Burger King) that was the only Burger King in the world where you could also get pizza.

@TABaker99

Жыл бұрын

BK also served beer!

@bustermot

Жыл бұрын

Thesis subject?

@mswildi

Жыл бұрын

@@bustermot Yes managing the USCG's Diversity program.

I was a firefighter and an MP there from 89-93, been inside just about every building that was there back then.

A Ventilation tower or building for the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel is also on Governor's Island.

00:09 West of Brooklyn

@4:15 what is that guy doing up in the air and why? If this is some sort of punishment back then, please explain. Thnx.

I thr warly 80's, i lived in the BEQ next to Castle Williams. It was a newer building, but it had a roach problem. The married guys lived in apartment buildings with the same design as the NYC projects