Washington Heights, the narrow strip of high ground between the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, is named for the Revolutionary War Fort Washington. Fortifications aside, the area was rural, rocky, and sparsely populated until latter half of the 19th century; the extension of rapid transit to Upper Manhattan century helped spur development. Today, Washington Heights is a diverse, densely populated enclave including the massive Columbia University medical campus, historic sites like the Morris-Jumel mansion, and panoramic views of the Bronx, Lower Manhattan, and the New Jersey Palisades.

Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, 1939. This small lighthouse is colloquially known as the Little Red Lighthouse. It was made famous in the 1942 children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge." The lighthouse was originally located in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, where it functioned as a navigational aid from 1880 until 1917. Moved to its current location in 1921 by the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse employed a battery-powered lamp and a fog bell. When the George Washington Bridge was completed in 1931, the lights from the bridge functioned more efficiently than the lighthouse. It was decommissioned and had its light turned off in 1948. Plans to auction off and dismantle the structure were met with outrage by the community. In 1951 the lighthouse was deeded to the NYC Department of Parks. In 2000 the lighthouse was freshly painted red, and in 2002 the light was turned back on.

New York City has 520 miles of waterfront (which is more than Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco put together)! Situated on one of the world's largest natural harbors, with rivers that separate and surround its land, the waterways of the city have long played a major role in the development and growth of the city. The safe passage of goods, fuel, and passengers has always been of paramount importance and as such dozens of lighthouses have been erected on land and at sea, used to aid in maritime navigation. This lists highlights a few of historic lighthouses that have illuminated the waterways of the city.

The Historic House Trust’s main effort is the preservation and maintenance of 23 historic house sites located throughout the five boroughs of New York City. To highlight the Trust's work, we're showcasing each house!

New York has an amazing architectural legacy that surrounds us each and every day. The Landmarks Conservancy enjoys highlighting a different architectural function, type, or style each month of the City we love. New York is situated on one of the largest natural harbors in the world, and once required many lighthouses to aid maritime navigators. In July, we’ll shine the spotlight on these beacons which have played an important role in the security and well-being of New York and the country. Located on the former site of the United States Lighthouse Service’s General Depot in St. George, Staten Island, the National Lighthouse Museum educates visitors about the history and technology of our nation’s lighthouses. To learn more, visit our Tourist In Your Own Town video: https://nylandmarks.org/explore-ny/national-lighthouse-museum