Castle Clinton National Monument Collections

The four significant roles played by Castle Clinton over the course of its varied history—from its first life as the Southwest Battery, (1811–1824) through its subsequent incarnations as the Castle Garden entertainment and cultural facility (1824–1854), Castle Garden immigration center (1855–1890), and New York Aquarium, (1896–1940)—reflect the development of New York City and the nation.

Collections are primarily archival, with an emphasis on period illustration. Nineteenth century lithographs depict the Castle Garden era and the aquarium is documented in photographs. Event programs, sheet music and some immigration records are among the paper ephemera. Highlights include:

Receipt for Prisoners taken by the Chasseur, an American privateer of the War of 1812.

Jenny Lind Concert Program from her 1851 appearance at Castle Garden.

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National Parks of New York Harbor
Castle Clinton National Monument

New York Harbor Parks
Castle Clinton National Monument

The American History Archives Collections

Castle Clinton | Federal Hall | General Grant Memorial | Hamilton Grange | St. Paul's Church | Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

The American History Archives contain historic images, documents and artifacts from the collections of six of the Manhattan Sites of the National Parks of New York Harbor. These sites, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, capture important moments in American history from the early 18th century to the early 20th century.