3D satellite view of Hangar 38 at Miller Field
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Miller Field was purchased from the Vanderbilt Family in 1919 by the United States federal government. Within two years, the former farming estate was transformed into a military airfield that had two grass runways, troop housing, two standard aircraft hangars and two seaplane hangars, and a seaplane ramp that allowed the planes to launch from Lower Bay. The airfield remained operational until 1969, at which time it was decommissioned and eventually became part of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1972.
During World War II, Miller Field became part of Fort Wadsworth. Coastal artillery was installed and an observation tower was built. The tower is one of the few military structures still standing today.
Observation tower at Miller Field, Gateway National Recreation Area
The “field” in Miller Field still applies, but no longer as an airfield. Today it is basically one large sports facility, with dozens of soccer, baseball, and softball fields. There’s even a cricket field. The only structures still standing from 1921 are the two seaplane hangars, which are collectively called Hangar 38.
The standard aircraft hangars were located on the opposite side of the concrete apron from the seaplane hangars. These were in such poor condition when the National Park Service took over the property that they were torn down in 1976.
While Hangar 38 looks to be in poor condition today, it wasn’t that bad until Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. In 2016, the National Park Service floated the idea of having the sides of the hangars removed, leaving only the structural frame and roof. Perhaps the area under the roof could be used for some sort of recreational purpose (a skate park was mentioned at one time). However, when this project began in the early 2020s, hazardous materials were found, and all funds for the renovation were spent on the removal of the hazmat materials. As of 2025, there is no more money to complete the renovation. I personally would not be surprised if the hangars were eventually torn down, which pretty much erases the military history of the park.
Hangar 38 at Miller Field, part of Gateway National Recreation Area
Next to Hangar 38 is the Elm Tree Lighthouse, which was built in 1939 to replace an original wooden lighthouse from 1856. The Elm Tree Lighthouse remained operational until 1964. If you look closely, you can see a light on the top. There used to be a parachute drying tower next to it (see 2015 photo below), but this has been torn down.
Elm Tree Lighthouse (right) and parachute drying tower (left) at Miller Field, Gateway National Recreation Area
Elm Tree Lighthouse at Miller Field on Staten Island, Gateway National Recreation Area
The only other remnants from the military days of Miller Field are a dozen or so Officer Houses located at the northwest end of the park (farthest from Lower Bay). These are now occupied by National Park Service staff.
Former Officer Housing at Miller Field, now private residences, Gateway National Recreation Area
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Last updated on December 26, 2024
