The cannonball was found earlier today behind the seawall, near Soissons Dock

We often find interesting things on Governors Island, and today was no exception. This morning, while doing construction work near Soissons Dock, workers found an old cannon ball near the seawall. NYPD came out to assess the cannonball and determined that it was a solid shot made of iron and contained no explosive material.  Since it was deemed safe, it can now join other cannonballs that visitors see on the Island, like those near Fort Jay.

Cannonballs near the entrance to Fort Jay

The cannonball is about 12 inches in diameter and could have possibly come from the 15 inch cannons in Fort Jay or Castle Williams, but it is more likely that they were left over from when the Island was an arsenal and surplus cannonballs were sent here. In historic photos from the Army era, one can see that cannonballs were very prevalent and were often piled in front of buildings or used for decorative purposes on lawns.

Cannonballs, like those seen here on the right, were placed on the lawn outside of Pershing Hall. (photo from NY Public Library)

In 1942, most of these were hauled off to melt into scrap metal to support the war effort, but perhaps one or two remained behind, like the one we found today!

This historic photo shows a cannon at Fort Jay with cannon balls at the ready. (photo from NY Public Library)

This bald eagle was seen enjoying the views of NY Harbor at Picnic Point

Governors Island has been home to lots of creatures, like owls, chickens at the Earth Matter compost area and of course Molly Brown, but we hadn’t before seen a bald eagle here.

We were lucky enough to spot the eagle at Picnic Point.

Taking off from his perch at the end of the Island

On behalf of Molly Brown and everyone on Governors Island, best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a great new year. We look forward to seeing you in May when the Island re-opens to the public!

Celebrate the holidays by taking this quiz on Governors Island!

Updated: New and improved with answers highlighted in red!

Earlier this week, all of the staff on Governors Island got into the spirit of the season with our annual holiday party. As a part of the festivities, we have a quiz on all things Governors Island.

This year, Able Engineering, who handles maintenance here, won in a landslide.

How well do you know the Island? Take the quiz below and find out! (Answers will be posted next week).

1.  Which figure in American history is NOT depicted on the WPA murals located in Pershing Hall?        

1. Theodore Roosevelt
2. Benedict Arnold
3. Robert E. Lee
4. Paul Revere

2.  During the Coast Guard era, there was a day care center on the Island. What was the monthly cost for child care during this period?

1. $0                                                                                                                                          
2. $6
3. $15
4. $110

3.  What was the runner-up name for Molly Brown in the naming contest?                     

1. Sandy
2. Salty
3. Ginger
4. Hello Gritty Kitty

4.  Approximately how many cubic yards of land fill were brought to Governors Island at the turn of the 20^th century to make up the southern part of the Island?

1. 475,000                                                                                                                                           
2. 540,000
3. 1,250,000
4. 4,800,000

5.  Approximately how many cubic yards of land fill will be brought to Governors Island to complete the park & public space plan?    

1. 475,000
2. 540,000
3. 1,250,000
4. 4,800,000

6. Which feature was removed from the Governors House in the 1930s?              

1. The widow’s walk
2. A dry moat
3. The 3^rd floor
4. Two-story porches

7.  Approximately, how many bottles of champagne were consumed at the 2011 Veuve Clicquot Polo Match?                                                                                                                                            

1. 600
2. 1,200
3. 3,000
4. 6,000

8. What is the official name of the color of the Nolan Park Houses?                                

1. Buttercup yellow
2. Sunshine by osmosis yellow
3. French yellow
4. Saffron yellow

 9.  The cannons in front of the Commanding Officer’s House were acquired from which war?         

1. The War of 1812
2. The Spanish American War
3. World War I
4. World War II

10. What color will the MTA Tunnel Vent Shaft be after the Park and Public Space project is complete?

1. Orange in honor of the Dutch
2. White
3. Nautical Red
4. Different colors every night like the Empire State Building

11.  Which body of water does NOT surround Governors Island?                                              

1. Hudson River
2. East River
3. Buttermilk Channel
4. Upper New York Bay

12.  How may runs does the Coursen make in the average month? (A run is considered from GI and back)                                                                                                                         

1. 68
2. 140
3. 260
4. 320

13.  In 1903, how many acres was Governors Island?                                                             

1. 92
2. 111
3. 150
4. 172

14. Which aviator has NOT landed on Governors Island?                                                 

1. Wilbur Wright
2. Glenn Curtis
3. Captain “Sully” Sullenberger
4. Major Henry H. “Hap” Arnold

If you really think you know the Island, try your hand at the bonus questions below! 

BONUS QUESTIONS:

One point for each question answered correctly!

1. Who was responsible for building the first church on the Island? Dr. John McVickar in 1847
2. True or false: Governors Island was once connected to Manhattan? True (tens of thousands of years ago)
3. Wouter van Twiller, who originally purchased Governors Island from the Lenape, inspired stories based on his appearance and temper. Which famous American wrote these stories and what were they called? Knickerbocker Tales by Washington Irving
4. Which GI building was NOT part of the NY arsenal located on the island until WWI? Building 108
5. Who was Nolan Park named after?  Major General Dennis Nolan

New signage and other key visitor amenities are a part of the first phase of West 8′s park and public space plan.

Many visitors to Governors Island have walked or biked over this lift bridge in the Batter Maritime Building. The lift bridge is being replaced.

An unusual view of the Slip 7 lift bridge as it is removed from the Battery Maritime Building to make way for a new bridge.

Last Thursday, Leslie Koch was honored at the AIA New York Chapter’s Heritage Ball. Leslie received the Center for Architecture Foundation Award in recognition of her work on Governors Island.

As the award cites, this recognition is being given in honor of how “Governors Island has become the must go-to destination for New Yorkers and visitors.”

Watch the video to learn more about the Island’s transformation over the past few years and what is coming next!

This bridge over the River Clyde in Scotland was the site of “Lowlands”, a sound installation by Philipsz (photo from nytimes.com)

The West 8 team's design for South Battery, which is a part of the first phase of the Park and Public Space Plan. Learn more this Monday at the Center for Architecture!

The Trust for Governors Island’s Leslie Koch and New York magazine’s David Haskell will be speaking at the AIA’s Center for Architecture this Monday at 6:30 PM.

The two will discuss all that is happening on Governors Island, the Park and Public Space Plan design and the timeline for the plan. The first phase of construction begins in 2012.

Don’t miss this lively conversation about the Island’s transformation!

Season 9′s final challenge used Governors Island as an inspiration for the final five designers (photo from mylifetime.com)