Walls within Walls
June 6, 2006 marked the opening of The Battery Conservancy’s first educational program displayed in Castle Clinton National Monument, Walls within Walls; an exhibit presenting the findings of the mid–18th century wall discovered in the Battery during excavation for the South Ferry Subway Tunnel.
The exhibition, temporarily on display in the Castle, includes explanatory panels presenting the history of the wall, the archeological discovery, and an explanation of its modern significance. Accompanying the display is a reconstruction of a part of the first section of the wall to be excavated.
Four sections of the colonial era wall were identified by archaeologists, with each of the four sections exhibiting unique features. They are all likely part of the same wall, constructed between 1730 and 1766. Differences among the sections may be due to successive periods of construction, which would account for the various building materials and construction techniques used.
The wall was accompanied by a wooden log pier structure. It was documented in detailed drawings, and samples of the wood were taken for dating. Because of the archaeological analysis, the wall was determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Ongoing study of this important discovery will provide a more detailed history of the Battery than has ever been possible before.
Please take a moment and view a pdf file of the panels.
For more information on the Battery Wall, visit our Press page.
Walls within Walls is presented by: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, The National Park Service, The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and The Battery Conservancy.