Polo on Governors Island
Governors Island
One of the most popular pastimes for officers stationed on Governors Island was polo. It provided officers stationed here a unique recreational opportunity and provided a way to hone their riding skills. Polo was first introduced to the United States in Manhattan in 1876.
Between 1900 and 1911 landfill was added to Governors Island creating nearly 100 acres of flat land. After the removal of many temporary warehouses constructed on this part of the Island during World War I, this open space provided an excellent location for a polo field.
Governors Island boasted two well respected teams, the Blues and the Yellows. They hosted matches with teams from the Army, National Guard, R.O.T.C.s from eastern colleges and private polo clubs. The matches were reported nationally, receiving coverage in the New York Times and elsewhere. Polo was often used as a way to entertain visiting dignitaries. During many match days, the Island was open to the public, providing ordinary New Yorkers a rare glimpse of the Army installation that was off-limits to them throughout the rest of the year.
In the early 1940’s, polo playing ceased on the Island. The military was preparing for World War II and players and horses were unavailable for matches. The final match on the Island was played in 1941 between a Governors Island team and notable civilian players. However, the polo tradition carried on with demonstration matches by the Coast Guard from 1966-1996 and continues even today during the summer season.
Marker is on Division Road, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
