Harbor Defenses of New York later became known as the first system of US seacoast fortifications. In New York this was initially limited to the large Fort Jay on Governors Island, along with some small batteries on Oyster Island (later Ellis Island) and Bedloe's Island (later Liberty Island). These were simple earthworks at the time. Congress contributed to building Fort Jay in 1797, and in 1800 the state sold the fort, Governors Island, and Bedloe's Island to the federal government for one dollar. Oyster Island was similarly transferred in 1808. The federal government commenced building improved stone forts at all three locations. In June 1807,
Alger Island, New York Alger Island, New York Alger Island also known as Big Island is a small island located on Fourth Lake, part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, within the Adirondack Park in New York State. The island is located in the Town of Webb, in Herkimer County, New York. Alger Island was called Deer Island in the late 18th century. It was later called Big Island. Alger Island came from the family name of its longtime owners, father and son Mort and Ollie Alger. Alger Island was purchased by the state of New York on January 16, 1950. Lean-tos were constructed