Bustling Manhattan is busy and loud, but one small building is nestled in a quiet place, a reminder of simpler times.
“Unless you know to look for it when crossing over the bridge, you wouldn’t even think to look down at this little lighthouse that used to be so important to the coastline,” says Eric Handy, an Urban Park Ranger, as he gazes up at the underside of the giant George Washington Bridge.
This 40-foot-tall building is actually Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse, and it is the star of a beloved children’s book, “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.”
Built in 1880, the beacon was moved in 1921 to Fort Washington State Park, a surprisingly lush, green spot in the city.
“We have 29,000 acres over here of beautiful trees, shrubbery, wildlife,” says Handy. “You can also see the New York City skyline. You can see the Empire State Building through the fog.”
While the lighthouse was decommissioned after the impressive bridge was built, it continues to teach children the nautical roots of this incredible city.
“Seeing Times Square or any other place, this is the spot to go to if you want to see the history of New York City,” smiles Handy.
Tours of the Little Red Lighthouse run from June through October on the second Saturday of every month.
Log onto this website for more information and check out the DayTrippers video for a look at this unique spot.