Many U.S. citizens have traveled to New York City on school trips or as part of a celebration of New Year’s at Times Square. They may also have come to experience a Broadway performance, the ten famous museums that include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, a baseball game, or a visit to Niagara Falls. But, many people miss experiencing the astounding geography and intriguing history of various areas of the state.
Before the Europeans first arrived in America, Native Americans lived in areas now considered cultural landscapes, regions found in national parks. They may include historical people and events, historical designs, or construction methods with archeological meaning. New York has nearly 800 of these national parks, significant areas in American history. These cultural landscapes contain several sites, such as Blue Ridge Parkway. Others are a single landscape, such as Big Hole National Battlefield, but they all relate to historical events.
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
There are countless American citizens whose ancestors came to America and entered the country by going to Ellis Island. For these Americans, it is interesting to visit the place that accepted or refused their ancestors. Immigrants were made to climb winding stairs, and those checking them watched to see how well these people negotiated stairs, etc., rejecting people who seemed impaired. Many who came with no papers identifying them were made to wear signs that abbreviated their positions (W.O.P.–Without Papers).
Castle Clinton National Monument
Originally built as a safeguard against a British invasion as tensions increased, Castle Clinton was among several constructed forts. Located on Governor’s Island, this fort was converted to an opera house and theatre when Jenny Lind, “the Swedish Nightingale,” was famous. In 1885, Castle Clinton became the official processing center for immigrants, known as Castle Garden until 1890.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway covers 27,000 acres. From Breezy Point in New York City, the Gateway extends to
Sandy Hook in New Jersey. The Gateway is open every day, and it has beautiful natural areas accompanied by historic structures and beaches along the Atlantic.
The U.S. Army occupied Governor’s Island from the late 1790s until the mid-1960s. In 1966, the area became the Coast Guard headquarters. After 1996, the island became a public venue with a ferry to discover and explore its exciting history. It is a good location for families who can picnic, kayak, go on bicycle rides, and the children can enjoy an unusual play area.