CASTLE CLINTON NATIONAL MONUMENT
NEW YORK, NY

Castle Clinton National Monument (CACL) was completed in 1811 as the Southwest Battery part of the defensive system
protecting Manhattan. It stands 200 feet offshore, supported by caissons and wood piers. The historic wall, comprised of
porous sandstone, had deteriorated due to insufficient capping and ground water penetration. Significant water intrusion
through capillary action with the stone was detected and uneven settling had caused vertical and horizontal cracks and
dislocation of individual stones. In addition, exposure to the elements and environmental pollutants had led to ongoing
exfoliation and spalling of the facing stone. Stone & Lime’s team stabilized, conserved, repaired and restored the historic
stone walls of Castle Clinton by installing new capping wherever necessary; replacement, pinning, and performing
dutchman repairs; and patching and repointing throughout the structure. All original materials were retained and conserved
where possible.

HISTORIC CONTEXT

The Southwest Battery 1811-1821

The United States declared War on Great Britain on June 12, 1812. Acknowledging increasing tensions with the British,
American harbor cities began building forts for protection. Four forts were built to defend the New York City harbor.
Southwest Battery was constructed on the rocks off the tip of Manhattan between 1808 and 1811. On March 27, 1812,
General Joseph Bloomfield was appointed to the command of all the fortifications in New York City and harbor. He
established his headquarters at Southwest Battery. In 1817, the fort was renamed Castle Clinton in honor of Dewitt Clinton,
Mayor, and later Governor of New York.