Gateway National Recreation Area

As shown in historic photos from the GATE Museum Collection, Miller Field was once part of the Vanderbilt family estate. In 1855, William H. Vanderbilt, eldest son of railroad magnate Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, built a 24-room mansion called the “White House” at Mill Road and New Dorp Lane. While managing the family farm in New Dorp, William expanded the estate, increased its profitability, and revived the Staten Island Railroad, earning his father’s respect and a role in the family business.

The family moved permanently to Manhattan in 1864 but kept the mansion as a country home. After William’s death in 1885, the estate passed to his son George Washington Vanderbilt, who relocated the house within the property. In 1919, the Vanderbilts sold the estate to the U.S. government, which converted it into Miller Field, an army airfield. The mansion later served as an Officers Club before being demolished in 1938 as part of the field’s expansion for coastal defense operations.

Photo Description(s):

Photo 1: Black and White image of a large white, two-story Victorian house, text in bottom left corner states “Publ. by W.J. Grimshaw”, dated 1910.

Photo 2: Aerial photo from above Miller Field, showing the Vanderbilt mansion in the middle surrounded by trees; text in lower left corner of photograph states “Mapped by 102nd Photo Section / By Direction of Maj. L.G. Brower A.C.N.Y.N.G. / Capt. R. Appel A.C.N.Y.N.G. Pilot / 2nd Lt. D.D. Cascio A.C.N.Y.N.G. Photographer / September – 1935”.

Photo 3: Aerial photo of Miller Field facing East towards the Lower New York Bay; the Vanderbilt house can be seen at the Left Middle of the photograph, surrounded by trees and with a road that goes from the house to New Dorp Lane. In the bottom right of the photograph, the Stables, Ice House, Dairy House, a Bull Pen and a Pond can be seen.

Photo Credit:

NPS Museum Collection

Catalog Number:

GATE 29148, GATE 19255, GATE 29177

🎉Happy 262nd birthday to the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation! Lighting our shores since 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse still stands strong after all these years.

First lit June 11, 1764, the original structure remains standing at 103 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the lightning rod. Over 262 years, this lighthouse has witnessed changes to the land, nature, technology, and the lighthouse keepers who cared for it.

If the Sandy Hook Lighthouse had eyes, what else do you think it witnessed over the past 262 years?

Hidden inside Fort Wadsworth are two historic names that helped shape New York and America’s story: Fort Tompkins and Battery W**d.

Fort Tompkins was named after Daniel D. Tompkins, former Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe.

Battery W**d honors Brigadier General Stephen H. W**d, a Civil War officer, who is remembered for his leadership and service.

These historic structures stand as reminders that the people behind the names helped shape the nation during moments of challenge, growth, and change.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Gateway National Recreation Area continues preserving these stories for future generations to discover.

Question of the Day: Have you ever explored Fort Tompkins or Battery W**d at Fort Wadsworth?

**d

Gateway National Recreation Area is more than just beaches, historic forts, and lighthouses—it's a vital part of our marine ecosystem, protecting coastal habitats and wildlife in the heart of New York and New Jersey. This World Oceans Day, we celebrate its role in preserving our blue planet and raising awareness about the importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

From the tidal pools of Fort Wadsworth to the shores of Sandy Hook, every visit to your national park connects you to the ocean's story.

Honor our waters by exploring and recreating responsibly, reducing waste, and supporting conservation efforts. Together, we can help ensure healthy parks, thriving oceans, and resilient ecosystems for generations to come.

in 1944, the Allied forces launched the invasion of Normandy in the European Theater, making it a turning point for the Allies during World War II. Did you know that Floyd Bennett Field played a significant role during WWII? After it was sold to the U.S. Navy, the former airfield was known as Naval Air Station – New York. The major manufacturers of naval aircrafts were within the NY metro area: Grumman, Chance-Vought, and General Motors. All the planes created from these three companies were tested, fitted and commissioned out at NAS-NY. The planes were then sent to the Pacific Theater. By the end of the war, NAS-NY received 25% of the aircrafts used by the US Navy during WWII. That’s approximately 40,000 aircrafts!

Have you ever wondered who Fort Wadsworth was named after?

Fort Wadsworth honors Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth, a Civil War leader known for his service and dedication to the Union Army. Today, his name lives on at one of the most historic military sites in New York Harbor.

For generations, Fort Wadsworth stood watch over the harbor, playing a major role in protecting New York City and shaping America’s military history.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, places like Fort Wadsworth remind us that behind every historic landmark is a story worth remembering.

Question of the Day:
What’s your favorite historic site to visit in New York City?

Have you seen the sunsets at Sandy Hook?

Summer is a great time to watch the sun set on Sandy Hook Bay. It’s a great way to end the day after sunning at the beaches, exploring the fort, or hiking the trails.

Where’s your favorite place to watch the sunset?

What’s the buzz? These bumblebees are busy drinking nectar and pollinating. Bees are essential pollinators that transfer pollen from flower to flower, which in turn supports the ecosystem. In this video, you get to witness a bumblebee do “buzz pollination”. They are one of the few bee species that vibrate flowers to release pollen. If you see a bee, there is no need to harm it, they won’t harm you. They are an important part of the pollination process. 🐝🌼

🌸May, you were beautiful

🌊From blooming trails to breezy shorelines, thank you for spending part of your spring with us.

🌞Summer’s right around the corner… are you ready?

Join the National Parks of New York Harbor and Gateway National Recreation Area on June 6, 2026, in celebrating National Trails Day with a birding trip! Join a ranger for a walk around West Pond in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, all skill levels welcome! Binoculars provided, meet in the Visitor Center at 11 a.m.