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We would like to thank Walter Guenther of the Historical Society of Highlands for his major contributions of the pictures and narratives.
Back Cover—George Washington’s Fishing Trip Off Sandy Hook
Narrative In June 1790, President George Washington hosted a fishing party made up of his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, and his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. They were to spend three days on a boat just off Sandy Hook within sight of the Highlands hills. Here they fished and relaxed.
A New York City newspaper took note of the expedition upon Washington’s return home. “The President of the United States returned from Sandy Hook and the fishing banks, where he had been for the benefit of the sea air, and to amuse himself in the delightful recreation of fishing. We are told that he had excellent sport, having himself caught a great number of sea bass and blackfish, the weather proved remarkably fine, which, together with the salubrity of the air and wholesome exercise, rendered this little voyage extremely agreeable, and cannot fail, we hope, of being serviceable to a speedy and complete restoration of his health.”
The President’s physician prescribed the fishing excursion in hopes of strengthening his body to ward off another bout of the illness that almost killed him a month before. It began on May 9, 1790 when the President was “indisposed with a bad cold” which quickly turned into pneumonia so severe that Jefferson wrote there was not a dry eye in the whole Washington household, weeping in anticipation of the President’s death.
The sea bass fishing banks off the Highlands and Sandy Hook were renowned. A booklet of the time, The Picture of New York or The Traveler’s Guide, stated that “a pleasant excursion for those who delight in sailing, is frequently made to the Sea-bass Banks, a few leagues beyond the lighthouse” Of the several “modes of being conveyed thither” the best “and more easy course is for a convenient number of gentleman to charter a suitable coasting vessel or packet, to carry them a short trip to sea.” Here, it continues, “Commonly there is plenty of amusement for those who are fond of fishing, for the Sea-bass bite voraciously at the bait which is offered to them, and are taken in great numbers. It will be remembered that this ranks among the best eatable fishes which are brought into the New York market.”
Washington and his family no doubt enjoyed at dinner many of the fish caught and salted or brought home fresh from the fishing trip off the Highlands. A letter from an associate planning a dinner party for Washington tells us how the President was very fond of salt fish and how he would appreciate having a few freshly caught trout as well. Salt codfish was Washington’s regular Sunday dinner.
Fishing was a pastime Washington enjoyed; perhaps it took his mind off the Nation’s affairs and allowed him to get away from it all for a while.
WBG 8/22/2025
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february 2026