Lighthouses of New York Harbor Throgs Neck Lighthouse

 

The Throgs Neck Lighthouse (Bronx, NY) marking the eastern entrance to the East River stands in the shadows of Ft. Schuyler and the Throgs Neck Bridge. The original wooden lighthouse established in 1827 was torn down because of the construction of the fort. In 1835, a new wooden tower replaced the original lighthouse. This new "temporary" structure remained in service until 1890 when a new iron skeletal tower (similar to the Coney Island Light) replaced it. In 1906, a new 35ft red brick tower replaced the skeletal tower, moving its location about 700ft southwest of the old light. It remained actively manned until 1934 when the USCG discontinued the lighthouse and erected the current automated skeletal tower (with day markers). A faculty member from SUNY Maritime occupies the remaining keeper's house. Some interesting characters connected with the lighthouse were its first keepers, Samuel Young and Jeth Bayles. Its been said that they conducted a bar in the keeper’s house, serving the local anglers and hunters. It became a favorite watering hole for those in the area. This type of business was in violation of the US Lighthouse Service rigorous standards and most definitely would have been cause for dismissal, if known. The need for a light on this peninsula (named after John Throgmorton - 1643) outlived the original purpose of Ft. Schuyler as a defensive battery. Ft Schuyler built to guard the entrance of the East River never saw action during its brief tenure. The fort abandoned in 1870 and revived again in 1934, when the WPA restored it to its current use as the SUNY Maritime College. The college hosts The Maritime Industry Museum filled with exhibits about times past and present on our commercial waterways. Exhibits showing the history of sailing, the merchant fleet industry and modern cruise lines fill the halls. Even a lighthouse exhibit greets you as you enter the museum. A visit to the museum demonstrates the important role lighthouses played in our rich maritime history; safeguarding our merchant fleets. Source: Lighthouses of New York (Greater New York Harbor, Hudson River & Long Island) Text and photographs © Jim Crowley. Visitors Information | About Us | What's New | Membership | Educational Programs Lighthouse Travel | Lighthouse Locator | Lighthouse Shop | Lighthouse Contest | Contact Us HOME © 2001 National Lighthouse Museum. All Rights Reserved.