AMBROSE (lightship)
Also known as: U.S. Lightship No. 87; Relief; Scotland; f-LS512
.jpg){kind=link}
Why it's listed
Lightship No. 87, later called "Ambrose," is a steel-hulled vessel built in 1907 by the New York Shipbuilding Co. of Camden, New Jersey, to U.S. Lighthouse Service plans. She is 135 feet 9 inches long and has a riveted hull, two masts for lights, a wooden pilothouse and a steam anchor windlass. Originally coal-fired and steam-powered, she received a Winton diesel engine in the 1930s, and her lights progressed from kerosene to electric. She marked the approach to New York Harbor on the Ambrose station until 1932, then served as a relief vessel and on Scotland station near Sandy Hook. She was decommissioned in 1968 and has not been altered since. Her original bell, wheel, radiator and officers' quarters remain. The nomination values her as one of few preserved American lightships, as a vessel that supported shipping into the nation's busiest port, and as the site of the first successful shipboard radiobeacon. She is now moored at South Street Seaport Museum as an exhibit.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it one of a small number of preserved historic American lightships, with strong integrity despite 1930s engine and lighting changes. It served on the Ambrose station guiding ships into New York, the nation's busiest port, and had a major effect on local, coastal and international trade. It was also the site of the first successful shipboard radiobeacon used to guide ships over long distances in poor weather.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 84002758, listed September 7, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Pier 16, East River, Manhattan, New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | September 7, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84002758 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1907-1964 |
| Architect / builder | U.S. Lighthouse Service/New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, N.J. |
| Architectural style | Architecture (Naval); lightship built to U.S. Lighthouse Service standing plans for First Class Light Vessels |
| Areas of significance | Transportation, Politics/Government, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | National, Local |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated April 11, 1989 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Preserved and on exhibit as a museum vessel; in fine condition with a sound but thin hull in places, and unaltered since decommissioning in 1968. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | South Street Seaport |
| Coordinates | 40.70532, -74.00246 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 84002758.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7890707
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.