The army vacated the fort in 1821 and the structure was deeded to New York City in 1823. In the summer of 1824, a new restaurant and entertainment center opened at the site, now called Castle Garden. A roof was added in the 1840s and Castle Garden served as an opera house and theater until 1854.

On August 3, 1855, Castle Garden, now leased to New York State, opened as an immigrant landing depot.

During the next 34 years, over 8 million people entered the United States through Castle Garden, until it was closed on April 18, 1890. The building was altered once again and reopened as the New York City Aquarium on December 10, 1896. It was one of the city's most popular attractions until it closed in 1941.

VISITATION:
Highest in July and August; lowest in January and February. In 1996-2,855,227 visitors.

LOCATION:
Battery Park, New York City (Manhattan), NY

ADDRESS:
26 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005

TELEPHONE:
(212)344-7220

OPERATING HOURS:
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. Closed December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summers hot and humid. Light clothing. Winters cold. Heavy outerwear required.

DIRECTIONS:
Parking in downtown Manhattan is extremely limited and extremely expensive. Driving is not recommended. Use of mass transit is preferable.

Transportation:
Seventh Avenue #1 and #9 subway trains stop at South Ferry station in Battery Park. Lexington Avenue #4 and #5 subway trains stop at Bowling Green station adjacent to Battery Park; N and R subway trains stop at Whitehall Street station adjacent to Battery Park. Frequent service is provided on all lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Frequent bus service to South Ferry is provided by route M-6 operating on Broadway seven days a week, route M-1 operating on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue and Broadway Monday through Friday and by route M-15 operating on Second Avenue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Admission to Castle Clinton is free. All tours and programs are free.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
A small museum detailing the history of the structure is on site.

Trails and Roads:
None.

Programs/activities:
Ranger-led programs and tours are offered throughout the day. Costumed interpreters describe the harbor defenses of New York City during the War of 1812.

Lodging and camping facilities:
None in park. Abundant lodging facilities available throughout New York City and suburbs.

Food/supplies:
Light refreshments are available from vendors in Battery Park. Abundant food and dining facilities available throughout the immediate neighborhood.

Other Concessions/NPS-managed visitor facilities and opportunities:
A small museum shop is operated at Castle Clinton.

Accessibility:
Castle Clinton is fully accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Join a ranger for a program describing the historic events at this site. View the museum exhibits.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
School groups and tour groups desiring a guided tour should make advance reservations by contacting a ranger at (212)344-7220 at least one week in advance. Commercial filming and after hours use require a Special Use Permit issued in advance; for information call (212)825-6883.

BASIC VISIT:
Ranger-led programs and tours last 20 to 60 minutes. Self-guided tours require 20 minutes.

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
Call (212)825-6888 for special event information.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
New York Stock Exchange, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Federal National Memorial, Museum of the American Indian, World Trade Center, South Street Seaport, World Trade Center.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write: Superintendent, Castle Clinton National Monument, 26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005; call (212)344-7220.