Staten Island’s lighthouses stand as enduring symbols of the borough’s rich maritime legacy. These structures, once vital for guiding seafarers through the often treacherous waters of New York Harbor, continue to captivate both residents and visitors alike. A closer look at these iconic landmarks sheds light on their historical significance and the remarkable stories behind them.
Among the most renowned is Robbins Reef Lighthouse, affectionately known as Kate’s Light. Originally built in 1839 and rebuilt in 1883, this lighthouse stands 56 feet above the water and boasts a light visible for 13 miles. However, its story is closely tied to Kate Gortler Walker, a German immigrant who became an iconic keeper of the light. After marrying John Walker, the keeper of Sandy Hook Light, they relocated to Robbins Reef where Kate famously rowed her children to school while managing the lighthouse. Following John’s death in 1886, Kate took his last words, “Mind the light, Kate,” to heart, reportedly saving more than 50 people and even a dog from stormy seas during her tenure. In 2009, the federal government declared Robbins Reef surplus property, but in 2011, the lighthouse was saved by Erin Urban, director of the Noble Maritime Museum. Today, an exhibit, “Robbins Reef Lighthouse, A Home in the Harbor,” highlights Kate’s extraordinary journey. Further plans are underway to erect a statue in her honor, recently revived under Mayor Eric Adams’ initiative in 2024.
Another important fixture in Staten Island’s maritime history is the Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse. Constructed in 1903 atop Battery Weed, this lighthouse replaced an earlier structure from 1823 that had fallen into disrepair due to artillery practice. It played a crucial role in directing vessels in and out of the harbor until being decommissioned in 1965, shortly after the opening of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Despite its declining condition, dedicated volunteers, led by Joe Esposito, undertook renovations that were completed in 2002, costing about $7,000. The restoration paid off when the lighthouse was relit in 2005, reinstating it as a crucial nautical guide.
Romer Shoal Lighthouse, another significant beacon, was originally known as the Original Shoal and functioned from 1883 until its dismantling in 1898. During its operational period, it was part of the U.S. Lighthouse Super Service Depot, where lighthouses from around the nation received the necessary equipment for their functioning. This 54-foot-tall red and white lighthouse was relocated about six miles off Staten Island to replace a dilapidated structure. Eventually placed on the Coast Guard’s “doomsday” list in 1994, the lighthouse faced the threat of demolition until lighthouse advocate Joe Esposito intervened. It gained a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and was bought for $90,000 by businessman John Vincent Scalia in an auction, with plans for restoration.
The West Bank Lighthouse, operational since 1901, is strategically positioned on a manmade island three miles off New Dorp Beach. Its role was to guide ships from the Atlantic Ocean towards the Ambrose Channel. The structure features a 55-foot-tall cast iron cylindrical tower with accompanying solar power and fog signal horn, showcasing modern advancements in lighthouse technology. Automated in the early 1980s, it remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sheridan Reilly acquired the lighthouse in a 2010 auction after it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard, compelled by the desire to preserve this historic maritime structure.
Another notable lighthouse is the Staten Island Lighthouse, which opened in 1912. Known as the Ambrose Channel Range Light, this 90-foot-tall structure sits atop Lighthouse Hill, providing significant elevation at 141 feet above sea level. Its unique setup included a communication system connecting the electric bell in the keeper’s house with the watch room. Following budget cuts in 1992, lighthouse enthusiast Joseph Esposito took up the mantle of keeper, ensuring that the light remained operational day and night.
Great Beds Light, strategically located three-quarters of a mile off Staten Island’s Wards Point, plays a pivotal role in assisting mariners navigating around the Great Beds Shoal, famous for its rich oyster beds. Construction for this lighthouse commenced in 1878, but the actual structure was not completed until 1880 due to a jurisdictional dispute between New York and New Jersey over the shoal.
The Prince’s Bay Lighthouse, often called the Red Bank Lighthouse, is among the oldest lighthouse complexes in New York City. Situated at Mount Loretto, this historic landmark, constructed initially in 1828, provides a glimpse into the past. While the original wooden structure served until the Civil War, a brick lighthouse was built in 1864, operating until 1922. In 2016, it was designated a city landmark, underscoring its cultural significance.
Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 as a warning to sailors about nearby shallow waters off Great Kills Beach. Its light, once automated in 1955, flashed every 12 seconds, offering vessels reassurance as they approached. Unfortunately, after 119 years of operation, Hurricane Sandy claimed the lighthouse in 2012, highlighting the vulnerabilities of these coastal structures.
The Elm Tree Range Light’s origins trace back to early sailors who hung lanterns from an elm tree; thus, the lighthouse built in 1855 adopted this unique name. Located at the end of New Dorp Lane, the lighthouse stood at 55 feet and served as a front range light for the Swath Channel until its demolition in 1939. A 65-foot concrete tower replaced the Elm Tree Lighthouse, serving both maritime and aviation purposes before its decommissioning in 1964. Now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, it stands as a reminder of Staten Island’s nautical heritage.
The New Dorp Lighthouse, operational from 1856 until 1964, was crucial for vessels navigating the Swash Channel. This lighthouse featured a keepers’ house atop a brick foundation with a six-foot tower. The original light was updated in 1907, but the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1964. It was later bought at auction by Jack Vokral for $32,000, who dedicated efforts to restore it alongside living in it for some time. It received city landmark status in 1967.
In addition to these historic lighthouses, Staten Island is home to the National Lighthouse Museum. Established in 1998, it was chosen for its historical relevance and its previous role as the U.S. Lighthouse Service General Depot. With meeting hurdles and funding challenges, enthusiasts have continued working to bring the museum to fruition. Finally, in 2014, NLM president Jack Vokral opened Building 11, marking a key milestone after years of effort. The museum, conveniently located near the St. George Ferry Terminal, features a plethora of exhibits, artifacts, and educational resources highlighting the significance of lighthouses across the nation.
These lighthouses of Staten Island are not only functional aids to navigation but also embody the spirit and determination of the communities that have relied on them for generations. As we continue to honor their history, the legacy of these maritime guardians carries on, sustaining their vital role in the narrative of Staten Island’s coastal heritage.
image source from：silive
