Yankee Pier is one of six docks and piers on Governors Island. It was built to hold large Coast Guard cutters. Cutters are vessels that are at least 65 feet long and can accommodate a crew living on board.

The Y shape of the pier made it easier for the large vessels to back out into the narrow Buttermilk Channel. The word "Yankee" is the designation for "Y" in the military phonetic alphabet; hence, the name "Yankee Pier."

During the Coast Guard era, part of Yankee Pier was damaged when a boat traveling up the Buttermilk Channel crashed into it. This portion of the pier became unusable and today only half of the pier is in working condition. The remaining portion is condemned and will be demolished in the future.

In 2009, the working leg of the pier was refurbished. The pier rehabilitation project included new lighting, fencing and fendering. Funding for these upgrades was made possible by the State of New York, the City of New York, and Borough President Scott Stringer. These critical improvements allow educational and historic vessels to land on the Island and provide programs for visitors.

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