3. Castle Clinton in Battery Park Used To Be in the Water

Commissioner's Plan 1811-Map-NYC-Library of Congress-012

Castle Clinton was built to prevent British invasion in the War of 1812 and later served as a point of entry for immigrants after Ellis Island. As a demonstration of how much New York City has infilled its shoreline, Castle Clinton is now firmly on the ground as part of Battery Park. Here’s a look at how dramatically the site of the World Trade Center has changed as well.