Explore: Staten Island Boat Graveyard
(Category: North America > United States > New York)

Overview

Tucked along the quiet waters of Arthur Kill on Staten Island, the Staten Island Boat Graveyard is a hauntingly beautiful site steeped in mystery and history. Officially known as the Witte Marine Equipment Company Salvage Yard, this maritime boneyard is home to dozens of derelict ships, each with a story. From rusting tugboats to weathered military vessels, the graveyard feels like a forgotten chapter of America’s industrial age, where nature and history collide in eerie harmony. Whether you’re a history buff or an adventurer seeking a surreal landscape, the Staten Island Boat Graveyard promises an unforgettable journey into the past.

History of the Staten Island Boat Graveyard

Nestled along the Arthur Kill waterway in Staten Island, New York, lies a hauntingly beautiful site officially known as the Staten Island Boat Graveyard. Its origins date back to the 1930s when the Witte Marine Equipment Company began operations as a marine salvage yard. The site became a final resting place for decommissioned vessels of all shapes and sizes, creating an eerie maritime graveyard that has captivated urban explorers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.

The boat graveyard was initially established to dismantle old ships and recycle their materials, supporting the growing demand for steel and other components during the mid-20th century. As years passed, however, the yard accumulated more vessels than it processed. By the 1950s, the graveyard had evolved into an open-air museum of forgotten maritime history, filled with tugboats, ferries, barges, and even military vessels, slowly decaying under the weight of time and the elements.

One of the site’s most striking aspects is its unintentional diversity. The graveyard holds vessels with histories as varied as the waters they once sailed. Some played roles in World War II, while others were humble workhorses of New York’s bustling harbor. Together, they form a tableau of industrial decline and the passage of time, their rusting hulls now a haven for wildlife and a magnet for the curious.

The site’s haunting ambiance has inspired countless stories and speculations. Why were so many vessels left to rot here instead of properly dismantled? Local lore suggests that some ships were abandoned due to financial difficulties, while others were too expensive to remove. Over time, the Witte Marine Equipment Company ceased most salvage operations, leaving the yard a de facto ship cemetery.

Adding to its mystique is the graveyard’s shifting relationship with nature. Over decades, the marshy environment of the Arthur Kill has reclaimed many of the wrecks, their skeletal remains now interwoven with reeds and brackish water. Seagulls perch atop rusted wheelhouses, and fish dart between the sunken hulls, creating an ecosystem that thrives in the shadow of decay.

Though technically off-limits, the boat graveyard has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking a glimpse of Staten Island’s industrial past. Photographers are drawn to the site for its surreal juxtaposition of rusting machinery and natural beauty. The graveyard’s weathered vessels and dramatic reflections in the water have made it an enduring subject for artists and filmmakers.

The Staten Island Boat Graveyard is more than a resting place for forgotten ships. It is a poignant reminder of the changing tides of industry, the impermanence of human endeavors, and how nature reclaims what we leave behind. Whether viewed as an eyesore or an evocative historical relic, the site remains a testament to the stories we leave adrift in the wake of progress.

Location

Address: 2453 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, NY 10309
Coordinates: Latitude: 40.5306° N, Longitude: 74.2378° W
Find on Google Maps: Staten Island Boat Graveyard
Nearest Town: Staten Island, NY

Getting There

By Car: From Manhattan, take I-278 West to Staten Island. Follow Richmond Parkway to Arthur Kill Road. The graveyard is private, so viewing is best done from nearby public roads.
By Air: The nearest airport is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is approximately 25 minutes away by car.
By Train: Staten Island Railway serves parts of the borough but requires additional transportation to reach the site.

Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit: When vegetation is sparse, late fall or winter offers clearer views of the wrecks.
Entrance Fees: None, but access to the graveyard is restricted. Explore from safe, public vantage points.
Permits: No official permits are needed for photography from public areas, but entering the site is prohibited.
Safety Tips: The area can be muddy and slippery; wear sturdy shoes and avoid venturing into restricted zones.
Special Notes: This is a private property, so respect boundaries and view the site from designated public areas.

Attractions

  • The Rusting Armada: Dozens of decaying vessels, from humble tugboats to massive freighters, create an otherworldly tableau.
  • WWII Relics: Some of the wrecks played a role in wartime efforts, now left as silent witnesses to history.
  • A Nature Reclaimed Landscape: Marsh grass, waterfowl, and fish thrive among the rusting ruins, creating a unique blend of decay and life.

Gear Up for the Staten Island Boat Graveyard

  • Backpack: Lightweight and durable for carrying gear.
  • Footwear: Waterproof boots for walking along marshy areas.
  • Camera: Essential for capturing the haunting beauty of the wrecks.
  • Binoculars: Useful for viewing distant ships and wildlife.
  • Clothing: Layered attire for windy days near the water.

Shop Outdoor Gear Here.

Wildlife and Flora

The marshy environment is home to herons, gulls, and other waterfowl. Reeds and cattails dominate the landscape, while fish and crabs find refuge among the sunken hulls. The site is a testament to nature’s ability to reclaim even the most industrialized spaces.

Nearby Strange Places

  • Historic Richmond Town (6 miles): A preserved 18th-century village offering a glimpse into Staten Island’s colonial past.
  • Staten Island Greenbelt (8 miles): A sprawling natural park with hiking trails and scenic views.

Gallery

  • The Tugboat Graveyard: Rows of rusting tugboats half-submerged in the water.
  • Sunset Reflections: The wrecks silhouetted against fiery skies.
  • Nature’s Reclamation: Marsh grass overtaking the skeletons of forgotten ships.

Leave No Trace

Help preserve the allure of the Staten Island Boat Graveyard:

  • Avoid trespassing on private property.
  • Leave wildlife undisturbed.
  • Refrain from littering or damaging the site’s fragile environment.

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