Mid Island on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Governor's House
Built: 1847
Architect: William Ranlett
Does the name "Melville" sound familiar to you? While the most famous Melville is arguably Herman, the author of the classic maritime novel Moby Dick, his brother Thomas Melville was infamous in his own right. Starting in 1867, Thomas served as Governor of Snug Harbor (a position similar to superintendent) for 17 years, leaving a complex legacy.
His administration was responsible for the greatest investment in physical infrastructure onsite, including four major dormitories, extension of the iron fence, addition of two gatehouses and a church tower, renovation of the Main Hall, and commissioning of the statue of Robert Richard Randall. He was also a careful record-keeper, and much of the history we have of that period is thanks to his thorough logs. However, he was also one of the toughest Governors, imposing "taboos" and strict punishment for unsavory behaviors on the sailors.
Today's Governor's House is typically closed to the public, but it is occasionally used for film and photo shoots.
Erected by Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden; NYC & Company foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Snug Harbor Little League (within shouting distance of this marker); In Loving Memory of SSHLL President Anthony Michael Varvaro (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Cottage Row (about 400 feet away); Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden (about 500 feet away); New York Chinese Scholar's Garden (about 600 feet away); World War II Memorial (about 600 feet away); Robert Richard Randall (about 700 feet away); Matron's House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Governor's House (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Cottage Row (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Carl Grillo Glass House (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Livingston World War II Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Governor's House. • Can you help?
