Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Castle Williams


This is another photo that I took on Governor's Island. This is Castle Williams, constructed in 1807 and named after its designer Jonathan Williams. It was the first fort of its kind in the U.S. and its circular shape helped to deflect cannon balls. To test his design, Williams had Navy ships fire cannons into the fort, as he stood inside. Apparently it was very sturdy. During the civil war it was used as a holding facility for confederate prisoners. In 2001, the fort and its surroundings on Governor's Island became a national monument.

6 comments:

Olivier said...

j'ai regardé sur Internet c'est mignon governor's island.
Belle photo et belle composition avec cet arbre et le fort.

I looked at Internet is cute governor's island.
Nice picture and beautiful composition with this tree and the castle.

Blue Wave 707 said...

Looks like some those bricks proved his theory ...

Dave said...

Thats interesting about the round walls deflecting cannon balls. In your previous post, I'm always amazed that there are buildings like that left in todays modern cities. Its great to see them though.

Greg C said...

How many times do I have to say it. It wasn't the civil war it was the war of northern aggression. Well at least that is what we call it down here. :) I love the structure. Fort Sumpter used palmetto logs because they yielded when hit by cannon balls.

Wanda said...

Very beautiful, and I really love brick..... Nice picture.

Martha said...

It looks like it has taken a battering or two in the past.

War of Northern Aggression, War of the Rebellion, War for Southern Independence, War Between the States, Civil War, no matter what you call it, it was a terrible time.