Thomas Downing, From Son of Slaves to Oyster King of New York City

In the decades before the Civil War, Thomas Downing, the son of slaves, became the acknowledged oyster king of New York City when New York was the oyster capital of the known universe.  He had learned how to rake oysters … Continue reading

New Year’s Repost: Watching the Ball Drop — the Nautical Origins of a New Year’s Tradition

Tonight, millions will watch in person, online, or on television, as a jeweled ball drops in Times Square in New York City at exactly midnight to mark the arrival of the New Year, 2024. After several years in which the … Continue reading

British Endurance Swimmer Lewis Pugh Swims 315 Mile Length of Hudson River

On August 13 2023, British endurance swimmer and environmental activist Lewis Pugh began his 315-mile (507-km) swim down the Hudson River, from its source at Lake Tear of the Clouds, to its end at New York City. He finished the … Continue reading

Young Sperm Whale Dies After Washing Up on Rockaway Beach in NYC

A sperm whale, estimated to be a female between three and five-years-old, died after washing up on Rockaway Beach in New York City on Tuesday. PIX11 reports that the Parks Department was told about the approximately 30-foot sperm whale near … Continue reading

Water’s Soul — A Serene, New Face on New York Harbor

On Thursday, Water’s Soul, an 80-foot tall sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa was dedicated on the Hudson River in Jersey City. Located directly across the river from Lower Manhattan, Water’s Soul depicts the serene face of a young woman … Continue reading

New York City Investing in Offshore Wind

 Last week Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) committed to a plan called Offshore Wind NYC that will invest more than $191 million to make New York City a hub for the offshore … Continue reading

Update: Ocean Revival Adventures, First to Row From NYC to London

Congratulations to the Ocean Revival Adventures team who have become the first to row from New York to London. The team of four serving and former serving Royal Marine Commandos completed the epic 72-day, 3,700-mile row across the North Atlantic … Continue reading

Remembering the General Slocum Disaster of June 15, 1904

One hundred and seventeen years ago today, the disaster on General Slocum resulted in the largest loss of life in New York City prior to the attacks of 9/11/01. An updated repost.  At around 9AM on June 15, 1904, approximately … Continue reading

Statue Honoring Lighthouse Keeper Kate Walker

New York City has announced a new statue of the late Robbins Reef Lighthouse keeper Katherine Walker which will be installed at the Staten Island Ferry landing. Though standing only 4’10” tall and weighing around 100 pounds, Katherine Walker served … Continue reading

Vikings in the Big City — Draken Harald Hårfagre in New York City Sept. 17-26

Draken Harald Hårfagre, the largest Viking longship built in modern times, will be visiting New York harbor from September 17 — 28.  On September 17th, the Viking longship will sail past the Statue of Liberty around 11AM and arrive at North … Continue reading

Washington and Hamilton on the US Coast Guard’s 225th Birthday

Today, on the 225th anniversary of George Washington signing of the legislation establishing the Revenue-Marine, the predecessor to the United States Coast Guard, President George Washington and his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, returned to Federal Hall in New … Continue reading