Built between 1808 and 1811 and known as West Battery, it was designed to protect New York during the War of 1812. In 1824 it was remodeled into an entertainment venue called Castle Garden. Initially the site of hot-air balloon launchings and fireworks it hosted operas and performances by such superstars as Jenny Lind, "the Swedish nightingale," brought to the US by none other than circus impresario P.T. Barnum. Prior to opening Ellis Island, it served as an immigrant landing depot then as home to the New York Aquarium.