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,
Liberty Weekend Liberty Weekend Liberty Weekend was a four-day celebration of the 1984 restoration and the centenary of the Statue of Liberty ("Liberty Enlightening the World") in New York City. It began on July 3, 1986 and ended on July 6. The Opening Ceremonies of Liberty Weekend were held on July 3, 1986 at Governor's Island in New York Harbor. French President François Mitterrand was on hand to give his well wishes to the American people. Secretary of the Interior Donald Hodel, Executive Producer David Wolper, and the Chairman of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Lee Iacocca joined to introduce the