Saving Fire Island from Robert Moses: The Fight for a National Seashore

by Christopher Verga

With its unspoiled, tranquil shorelines, Fire Island has been an oasis for vacationers for more than 150 years. To the polarizing "master builder" Robert Moses, its coastline was ripe for the construction of an Ocean Parkway extension. Standing up to those ambitions were the seventeen individualistic communities of Fire Island, unified in their love for their sun-washed sandy beaches. To maintain a traditional way of life with limited access to motor vehicles, the community began the fight for federal protection through the creation of the Fire Island National Seashore. Author Christopher Verga presents this triumphant struggle against the Goliath of twentieth-century New York development.

Genres: History

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2019

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful history of Fire Island (a place I love) and struggles initiated by Robert Moses in his entitled quest for power and money. He was not the great man that is implied by effects baring his name and I’m glad Professor Verga is able to tell the story. I especially appreciated the Epilogue.

[Jim Swike · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are primarily from Long Island and want to learn about Fire Island, Ocean Parkway, and other origins, this is the book to read. Enjoy!