AMBROSE TOWER – 1992 The "Ambrose Tower" at the entrance to New York Harbor in 1992. Affectionately known as "The Horse", the tower was a highly recognizable bearing point for miles around. The tower was once manned by a crew and had all of the amenities (including a pool table.) In 1988 the tower was automated and the crew was removed from duty and the then unmanned tower was controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard at Governor's Island. It was rammed by the tanker "AEGEO" in 1996 and lost a leg. The tower was eventually demolished in 1999 and replaced by a rather plain spire (also 140 feet tall.) The replacement spire was also struck by ships and was demolished in 2008 and replaced with flashing buoys.