Why is the Staten Island Ferry Orange in New York?
The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry that crosses New York Bay. The ships stand out for their bright orange color. Here's the story behind this now-iconic hue…
The Staten Island Ferry Wasn’t Always Orange
- You’ve probably taken the Staten Island Ferry during a visit to New York. This free ferry line connects lower Manhattan to Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a chance to see Miss Liberty and enjoy a short cruise across New York Harbor. You can’t miss the Staten Island ferries—their bright orange color is part of the New York skyline.
- But did you know the Staten Island Ferry wasn’t always orange? The first ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island launched in 1810, run by businessman Cornelius Vanderbilt. Other companies entered the market, and by the mid-1800s, three different ferry companies were operating. Their boats came in white, green, and red, depending on the company.
- In 1853, the three companies merged to create the Staten Island Ferry as we know it today, and white became the standard color in the early 1900s.
A New Color Adopted in 1926
- White, though clean and bright, had a major drawback. The color made boats hard to spot in fog or snow. In 1926, New York City’s Department of Transportation chose a much more visible color: orange.
- That color has stayed ever since, now painting all eight ferries currently in service. For more details about this route, visit the Staten Island Ferry page. You might also enjoy my 7 tips for getting the most out of the Staten Island Ferry.
