New Brighton on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Governor's House
Architect: William Ranlett (1806-1865)
| | Built: 1847 | |
The Governor's House was inhabited by the infamous Governor of Sailors' Snug Harbor, Thomas Melville. Thomas was the brother of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. During his time as Governor, he was one of the toughest Governors of Sailors' Snug Harbor, and the organization flourished under his leadership. His accomplishments included the construction of four major dormitories, extension of the iron fence, the addition of two gatehouses and a church tower, renovation of the Main Hall, and the commissioning of the statue of Robert Richard Randall. Melville also imposed "taboos" and stringent punishments for unsavory behaviors deemed disrespectful to the organization.
Did you know?
The Governor's House was the focus of several paranormal investigations including Syfy's Ghost Hunters in 2011.
Erected by Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 38.659′ N, 74° 6.26′
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in New York City. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America and the Western World. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Cottage Row (within shouting distance of this marker); In Loving Memory of SSHLL President Anthony Michael Varvaro (within shouting distance of this marker); Snug Harbor Little League (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Governor's House (about 400 feet away); Robert Richard Randall (about 400 feet away); New York Chinese Scholar's Garden (about 500 feet away); Staten Island Museum (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
Other markers no longer nearby. Cottage Row (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Carl Grillo Glass House (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . Sailors' Snug Harbor. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 12, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
