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. 40° 38.659′ N, 74° 6.26′ W. Marker is on Staten Island, New York, in Richmond County. It is in New Brighton. Marker is on Cottage Row just
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cottage Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Carl Grillo Glass House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Richard Randall (about 400 feet away); Staten Island Museum, Building A (about 600 feet away); Sailor's Snug Harbor (about 700 feet away); Randall Memorial (about 700 feet away); Visitor's Center & Galleries, Building C, Main Hall (about 700 feet away); William Main Doerflinger (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
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 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
