New York Aquarium opens

Background. Castle Garden, a former military fort and immigrant-processing station in Battery Park, was formally transferred by the New York state government to the city government on December 31, 1890. The New York City government proposed converting the site into an aquarium in 1891, and the state legislature passed a bill allowing its creation. Funding included a $150,000 state allocation and an additional $25,000 city allocation at the end of 1894, though construction delays pushed the opening beyond the initial 1894 target.

Construction and Delay. Construction of the aquarium within Castle Garden faced significant delays. Although tanks were ready for use by April 1894, the facility was not completed by mid-1894 as originally planned. By mid-1895, the New-York Tribune characterized the delays as "gross stupidity." Local media reported in September 1896 that the aquarium was largely completed, setting the stage for its eventual opening.

Opening. The New York Aquarium opened on December 10, 1896, following a soft opening the previous day. This event marked the beginning of its operation at Castle Garden, which continued until 1941.