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,
Travers Island, New York Travers Island, New York Travers Island is a former island located on Long Island Sound in the city of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York. The island, originally united by a causeway to the mainland, comprises a tract of thirty acres in the Lower Harbor of New Rochelle, situated between Neptune Island, Glen Island and Hunter Island in New York City's Pelham Bay Park. The narrow strip of water originally making it an island was eventually filled in, converting this tract into a peninsula. Travers Island currently serves as the New York Athletic Club's summer home. Travers Island hosted