Boggs, Major Kenneth L.

The Sentinel Isle. A Brief History of Governor's Island Fort Jay 1637-1950 [New York Harbor]

New York: Army Hq. First Army, [1950]. A mid-century U.S. Army historical pamphlet documenting the development and long military use of Governors Island and Fort Jay, tracing the site’s role from early colonial defenses through the mid-twentieth century.

Issued in 1950 by the Headquarters of the First Army, this publication reflects the Army’s institutional approach to preserving and presenting military heritage at a moment when Governors Island remained an active and symbolically important installation in New York Harbor.

Stapled wraps with illustrations on both the front and rear covers. Approximately 5.5 by 8.5 inches. Sixteen unnumbered pages, illustrated with photographic views of Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and Governors Island. The bindings are tight and square, text clean with even toning, moderate shelf handling wear, noticeable sun fading along the perimeter, overall sound and well preserved.

A concise and well-produced example of postwar Army historical interpretation, combining architectural history, military narrative, and photographic illustration. Pamphlets of this type were produced in limited quantities for educational and official use, and were rarely preserved outside institutional settings, making intact copies increasingly uncommon.

From 1794 until 1966, Governors Island served as a major U.S. Army installation and played a central role in the military, political, and social history of New York City. The island remained under federal military control for more than two centuries before later use by the Coast Guard and its eventual transformation into a public cultural space.

Subjects: Governors Island, Fort Jay, U.S. Army history, New York Harbor defenses, Military architecture, War of 1812 legacy, American coastal fortifications,American ephemera, Military history publications, Government publications.

Item #18115

Price: $20.00