In the heart of New York Harbor, Governors Island is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. Named Nutten Island by the Dutch, it was purchased from the natives in 1673 for 2 axe heads, some nails, and a string of beads. For almost 200 years, it was a military base, home to the United States Army and Coast Guard. Then in 2003 New York bought it back from the federal government for one dollar. It is now open to the public for picnics, tours, concerts, biking, and more. No cars allowed. "The island's history is long on miscellanea. Benjamin Franklin's nephew oversaw the design of a fort. Wilbur Wright took off and landed here for the first airplane flight over water in the U.S. The Smothers Brothers were born in the island's hospital. The Burger King was the only one in America that served beer." (Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 8/3/2009)