Pleasant Plains on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mount Loretto Bluffs
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 6, 2012
1. Mount Loretto Bluffs wayside
The bluffs are a fragile part of the Mount Loretto Unique Area. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is working to preserve this feature. From here, you see magnificent views of Raritan Bay. The bluffs consist of soils found typically in the southeastern US. The bright red soil is unusual and adds to the area’s beauty. The remains of a concret bulkhead are still present. Inside the deteriorating wall you can see old cot legs and bed frames from the orphanage.
Follow the trail behind the lighthouse down to the beach for an up-close view of this unique feature.
Horseshoe Crab facts
• Not a crab, it’s related to spiders, ticks and scorpions
• With five pairs of legs and a mouth hidden under its shell, it has changed little in the past 200 million years.
• Horseshoe crab eggs are important food for shorebirds, and its blue blood is used in medical research.
Erected by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 40° 30.259′ N, 74° 13.05′ W. Marker is on Staten Island
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shrine of the Immaculate Virgin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Loretto History (about 500 feet away); John Cardinal O'Connor Lighthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Mount Loretto Unique Area (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Elizabeth’s (approx. half a mile away); Easter Rising Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Father John C. Drumgoole (approx. half a mile away); The Bells of the Church of Saints Joachim and Ann (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
Also see . . . Mount Loretto Unique Area. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on August 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 26, 2012
2. Mount Loretto Bluffs
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 23, 2013
3. Mount Loretto Bluffs
The new and old Raritan Ray Lighthouses.
Photographed By Unknown, unknown
4. Horseshoe crab
Not as common as they used to be here.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
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