The Ambrose Lightship

One of my Irish ancestors, John Wolfe Ambrose, was a brilliant engineer. (I am still trying to figure out where exactly those genes went.)

Because of his efforts, channels within and leading into the New York Harbor were deepened and widened, to handle the largest transatlantic ships, thus allowing New York's commercial economy to boom.

In recognition of his efforts, the New York State Legislature in 1900 officially expressed gratitude for Ambrose and named the channel and its lightship after him.

Today, the Ambrose Channel still serves as the main entrance into New York Harbor for ocean vessels, and the Lightship Ambrose, a registered National Historic Landmark, is open to the public at New York's South Street Seaport museum.