Staten Island Maritime History
U.S. Coast Guard. The original Elm Tree Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters. The current Elm Tree Lighthouse was constructed in 1939 by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the Miller Army Airfield Historic District. This octagonal concrete beacon replaced a wooden one first lit in 1856. The wooden light structure was the front range light for Swath Channel with the New Dorp Lighthouse acting as the rear range light. The name Elm Tree, was derived from a large elm tree that stood near this site that served as a navigational aid to mariners from the 18th century. 
Frank Kiernan, VIP Atop Battery Weed sits the Fort Wadsworth Light. The Fort Wadsworth Light was first lit in spring of 1903. This red brick tower sits atop Battery Weed. It originally was a 4th order fresnel lens that alternately flashed red and white light up to 14 nautical miles. It was deactivated in 1965 when the Verrazano Narrows Bridge made its function obsolete. View an article from "Lighthouse Digest" on the restoration of the Lighthouse. This publication is not a part of the National Park Service. |
Did You Know?
Gateway National Recreation Area is mostly made up of water, making it a boater's paradise! Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing are just a few of the ways to enjoy the park.