Robbins Reef Light

Robbins Reef Light is a cast iron lighthouse standing 14 meters tall on a granite foundation at the entrance to Kill van Kull waterway near Staten Island. The structure marks dangerous underwater rocks in a heavily trafficked shipping channel of New York Bay.

The original granite structure was built in 1839 and replaced in 1883 with the current cast iron version. This change improved stability and durability of the navigation aid at this hazardous location.

Kate Walker served as keeper from 1890 to 1919, living in isolation while rescuing approximately fifty people at sea. Her presence reflects the important role women played in maritime safety during that era.

The lighthouse interior remains closed during ongoing restoration work by the Noble Maritime Collection. Visitors can view the structure from the water or nearby vantage points in Bayonne.

The name comes from Dutch settlers who observed seals, called robyns, gathering on the sandbank during low tide. This historical observation shaped the location's identity across the centuries.

Location: Bayonne

Inception: 1839

Height: 14 m

Website: https://noblemaritime.org/robbins-reef-lighthouse-a-home-in-the-harbor

GPS coordinates: 40.65738,-74.06536

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02