Pier A, May 5, 1936.

Pier A Harbor House is the last surviving historic pier in New York City. Constructed between 1884 and 1886, the building was created for the New York City Department of Docks and Harbor Police. Many of New York's distinguished political and cultural visitors who arrived by ship were officially greeted here. The pier was expanded in 1900 and in 1919 a clock was installed in the tower as a memorial to those soldiers killed in World War I.

In the second half of the 20th century (1960-1992), the building was used as a fire boat station by the FDNY. The Fire Department ceased using the pier in 1992 and for the next two decades the property fell into serious disrepair. In 2009 a redevelopment project began and the newly restored pier and building opened to the public in 2014. The new Pier A Harbor House includes a bar and restaurant and large event spaces.