Cair Andros

Cair Andros was a long, narrow island measuring ten miles long. The rocks on its northern end created a prow that caused the waters of the upstream Anduin to flow like a bubbling foam. Hence this island filled with trees was called the Ship of the Long-Foam. The island's location on the eastern side of Anórien and north of Minas Tirith made it a point of cardinal importance. It was used as one of the sites to cross the river Anduin to reach Gondor. The island was fortified throughout the history of Middle Earth. [1]​

Cair Andros first came into the limelight when the Drúedain from the lands south of Mordor crossed river Anduin during the First Age. The island became a place of strategic importance when the realm of Gondor was established. In T.A. 1248, Minalcar, regent to King Narmacil I, probably garrisoned the island and the west bank of the Anduin after the defeat of the Easterlings. In 1944, the island was inhabited by Men during the downfall of King Ondoher. In TA 2510, the island of Cair Andros became vulnerable after the handover of Calenardhon to Éothéod. Hence Amon Dîn, a Beacon-hill, was constructed as a watchtower to monitor any enemies crossing the Anduin at or near Cair Andros. In TA 2901, Turin II fortified the island after the loss of Ithilien. The island was further strengthened with a steady garrison. It was well-maintained until the beginning of the War of the Ring. On March 10, TA 3019, after the fall of the Gondorian forces, the army of the Witch-king riding from Minas Morgul crossed into Anorien using the island. The island was held by the Orcs and Easterlings of Sauron. This army of Sauron blocked Rohirrim's progress eastward as they rode to Gondor's aid. But the Rohirrim chased the fugitives and drove them out of Anórien. [2] On March 23, Aragorn sent an army of young soldiers from Rohan and Lossarnach to reclaim the island during his march toward the Black Gate. The island of Cair Andros remained a place of vital importance even after Sauron's fall and the end of the War of the Ring. The Captains of the West sailed across river Anduin to Osgiliath via Cair Andros. The last mention of Cair Andros is when Frodo, after completing his quest, witnessed the moorings being used by the ships of Gondor.​