Yesterday I took a tour of Governor's Island. Governor's Island sits in New York Harbor between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The island was given by the state of New York to the federal government in 1800 out of fear that the British might attack and that New York needed military protection. Earlier this year the island was sold back to the state for a dollar under the provision that the island be developed for the public good. The island was used by the Army from 1800 to 1966. From 1966 to 1997 the Coast Guard had a base on the island. Today the island is not being used. The tour was of the northern part of the island, which has been designated a national monument. It contains two early 19th century forts, officers housing, barracks and landscaped grounds. You can find out more about Governor's Island at: http://www.governorsislandnationalmonument.org