Robbins Reef Lighthouse
Address:
Upper New York Bay
Category: Lighthouses
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Location: The lighthouse sits on a small islet near the entrance to the Kill van Kull, best viewed from the Staten Island Ferry.
Established: 1883; current tower 1933
Owner: US Coast Guard
Description: Before the light was constructed, this hidden ledge of rocks had caused many wrecks. A 45-foot high spark plug lighthouse also called "Kate's Light" after Katherine Walker,the 4'10" tall widow of the keeper who died of pneumonia in 1886. Kate took over as keeper of Robbins Reef for 33 years retiring in 1819 after minding the kerosene lamp, watching for ships in distress and rearing two children, rowing them to Staten Island every day to attend school.
