Our History
Snug Harbor on Nelson Bay has a long history of providing services to the retired. Captain Robert Richard Randall, a ship’s master and Revolutionary War hero, founded the original organization, The Sailors’ Snug Harbor in 1801. With guidance from his close associate, Alexander Hamilton, Randall arranged to bequeath his 21-acre estate, located in what is now the heart of Greenwich Village, to a perpetual trust. The purpose of the trust was to always provide a home for “aged, decrepit and worn out seamen”.
Built originally on Staten Island, New York, in 1833, the facility moved to Sea Level, North Carolina, in 1976. For the next 24 years, men and women who served on merchant vessels were cared for by the Trust. Changes in the merchant shipping industry and the lifestyles of seamen led to a review of the Trust and the Sea Level facility. This opened the doors to not only continue to care for merchant seamen but to also include their spouses and other non-seafaring retirees who wish to benefit from the serene setting and excellent services being offered.
Our facility is HIPAA compliant. Staff is trained on the importance of confidentiality and accountability. Snug Harbor is a Medicare-certified facility. Snug Harbor does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.
