In recent years, Governors Island, located in the heart of New York Harbor, has become a popular destination for recreational activities and unique arts programming in New York City. Plans for a new 40 acre park and a 2.2 mile Great Promenade around the Island will only further enhance the appeal of one of the city's great public spaces.

The Island and its long and important role in the history of New York City is the subject of a fascinating new book, Governors Island: the Jewel of New York Harbor (Syracuse University Press, July 2009, $60.00) by noted historian Ann L. Buttenwieser. Ms. Buttenwieser chronicles the development of this 172-acre anomaly, from its beginnings as a military outpost to its current role as an unspoiled recreational and cultural getaway. An accomplished urban planner and visionary, Ms. Buttenwieser’s vast knowledge of waterfront land development provides an expert look into this unique island’s forgotten story.

Ms. Buttenwieser has spent her entire career as an advocate for the recreational use of waterfronts. She is best known as the visionary of the Floating Pool Lady, in addition to her work with many of the city’s agencies with waterfront portfolios. Recently, Ms. Buttenwieser was honored at the New Yorkers for Parks Annual Gala for her extraordinary commitment to help beautify, create and protect New York City’s parks and open spaces.

Governors Island: the Jewel of New York Harbor offers a comprehensive look at one of the most historically significant, yet often overlooked landmarks in New York City. With an impressive collection of never-before-seen maps, photographs, and anecdotes dating from the early 18th Century to the present day, Ms. Buttenwieser reinvigorates the memory of one of the city’s lost treasures. Governors Island is a revealing look into a pivotal military fortress, prison, hospital and more. What started as a small fort to house British troops in the 1700s quickly transformed into a key U.S. army and Coast Guard base for over two hundred years. Ms. Buttenwieser skillfully retraces the story of an island that played a key role in nearly every major war in America’s history. Rare photographs and original blueprints transport the reader directly to metaphorical battlefields.

Governors Island also uncovers the island’s role as an eastern Alcatraz and prototype military hospital. Unbeknownst to many New Yorkers, the island held Prisoners-of-War and some notable Army criminals. Doctors at the hospital treated deadly epidemics and helped in the births of illustrious personages. The book chronicles how the prison mirrored the greater American incarceration system, and the hospital incorporated changes in medical design and treatment.

Ms. Buttenwieser injects quirky anecdotes and facts highlighting how Governors Island is a microcosm of America at large. Each chapter is full of interesting stories of Americana, as the island played host to the take-off of Wilbur Wright on the world’s first flight over water; the embarkation of the first seafaring military women; and the opening of a Burger King that served beer.

Ms. Buttenwieser weaves a story for historians, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about New York’s rich history. Governors Island: The Jewel of New York Harbor by Ann L. Buttenwieser is an essential resource.