From Wikipedia.
While on New York City's defenses during the War of 1812, I am going to write about other fortifications designed to protect the city from seaward attack.
Castle Williams was a red sandstone circular fortification on Governors Island, opposite Castle Clinton. Together with Fort Jay (formerly Fort Columbus), they make up Governors Island National Monument.
It was built from 1807 to 1811 under the direction of Lt.Col. Jonathan Williams (for whom it is named) and part of a defensive system including Castle Clinton on Manhattan Island, Fort Wood on Liberty Island and Fort Gibson on Ellis Island.
The fort stood 40 feet high and had a 210-foot diameter with 7-8-foot-thick walls. There were four levels, each containing 14 casemates capable of mounting 28 cannons.
It saw no action during the War of 1812. During the Civil War, it was used to house new recruits, garrisoned for defense and later was a prison for Confederate enlisted men.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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