Robbins Reef Light facts for kids
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| Location | SW Upper New York Bay, 2.6 mi. SE of I-78 Interchange 14A, Bayonne, New Jersey |
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| Coordinates | 40°39′26.512″N 74°3′55.277″W / 40.65736444°N 74.06535472°W |
| Year first constructed | 1839 |
| Year first lit | 1883 (current structure) |
| Automated | 1966 |
| Foundation | Granite caisson |
| Construction | Brick / Cast iron |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | Lower half: brown upper half: white lantern: black |
| Height | 45 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 56 feet (17 m) |
| Original lens | 4th order Fresnel lens (original), 12 inches (300 mm) (current) |
| Range | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing Green, 6s |
The Robbins Reef Light Station is a special type of lighthouse called a "sparkplug lighthouse." It stands in the water near Bayonne, New Jersey, in Upper New York Bay. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely through the busy waters.
The current lighthouse tower was built in 1883. It replaced an older, octagonal stone tower from 1839. The United States Coast Guard used to own and operate this important light station.
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Where is Robbins Reef Lighthouse?
The lighthouse sits on a small sandy area called Robbins Reef. The Dutch settlers first called it Robyn's Rift. This reef is located near the entrance to the Kill van Kull. This is a narrow water passage that connects New York Bay to Newark Bay.
The channel here is one of the busiest waterways in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Many ships use it to reach the large Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal.
The History of Robbins Reef
The name "Robbins Reef" comes from the 17th century. During the time of New Netherland, the Dutch word rob or robyn meant "seal." Groups of seals would often rest on the reef when the tide was low.
The lighthouse is also famously known as Kate's Light. This is because of Kate Walker. She bravely managed the station by herself after her husband, Captain John Walker, passed away in 1886. She continued this important work until 1919. Kate would even row her children to school in Bayonne, New Jersey every day.
Herman Westgate was the last lighthouse keeper before the light was automated. This means it started working by itself without a person needing to be there. This happened in 1966.
In 2009, the Robbins Reef Lighthouse was offered for sale. This was done under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. In 2011, a museum called the Noble Maritime Collection took over the care of the lighthouse. This museum is located on Staten Island. The octagonal structure near the lighthouse is not part of the old 1839 tower. It is actually a sewer pipe built around 1915.
Restoring the Lighthouse
In 2011, the Noble Maritime Collection officially became the owner of the lighthouse. This happened through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Since then, volunteers from the museum have been working hard to restore the lighthouse. The inside of the lighthouse is almost completely restored.
A local company called Miller’s Launch helps by giving rides to the volunteers. The full restoration of the lighthouse is expected to be finished in the early 2020s. Once it's done, the lighthouse might offer tours. It could even become a special place where people can stay overnight.
Images for kids
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U.S. Coast Guard Photo from about 1950 with station boat
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Lighthouse from Staten Island Ferry
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In 2006
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View northwest to MOTBY and Port Jersey
