Staten Island, New York is a borough of New York City, located in the southwest part of the city and between New Jersey and Brooklyn. It is linked to Lower Manhattan by the Staten Island Ferry, which travels across New York Harbor. The island is roughly triangular, with approximately 35 miles (56 km) of shoreline and a total area of around 60 square miles (155 square kilometers). It has a population of fewer than 500,000 people, making it the least populous borough in New York City.

Several factors contribute to Staten Island’s peaceful feel. This includes its coastal location, with the glorious New York Harbor on one side and New Jersey’s less congested coastline on the other; its hilly terrain (the highest point is Todt Hill, which offers views of both the harbor and New Jersey); Staten Island’s comparatively wide-open neighborhoods; and its small but vibrant business scene.

Staten Island’s serenity stands in stark contrast to Manhattan’s bustle, but it has a few areas of activity. By far, the most prominent is tourism, especially in and around the harbor, where boats depart for such attractions as Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (both in New York Harbor) and the historic district of St. George (on the northeastern tip of Staten Island).

Staten Island is a great place to live and visit for all sorts of reasons. Beaches, camping, city life, suburban life, you can do it all here on Staten Island.

History of Staten Island

The island was inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans and was subsequently settled by Dutch colonists in the 17th century. It was one of the 12 initial counties of New York state. Staten Island was combined with New York City in 1898. The Borough of Richmond was its official name until 1975 when it was renamed to Borough of Staten Island. The borough of Staten Island has been labeled “the forgotten borough” by its residents, who feel the city government does not pay enough attention to the community.

Giovanni da Verrazzano first discovered the island in 1524, and it remained largely populated by the Raritan’s and Unamis Indians until about 1630 when the Dutch attempted to set up colonies there. Although they never established settlements, the Dutch termed the island Staaten Eylandt. The Indians, who were concerned by the settlers’ presence on the island, repeatedly drove off attempts to colonize it. The Dutch started many of these battles, and blood was shed on both sides in three of them: the Pig War (1641), the Whisky War (1642), and the Peach War (1655). In 1663, the conflicts were eventually resolved, and the Dutch established a long-term colony called Oude Dorp, or Old Town, near South Beach. 

When the English took control of the city in 1664, they renamed the island after the Duke of Richmond, King Charles II’s son. The population on Staten Island was only 1,063 at the end of the 17th century. Today, Staten Island is home to nearly half a million people, and it is New York City’s most suburban borough.

Tourist Attractions

Staten Island is also home to many attractions. One of the most notable attractions is the Staten Island Zoo, where children can come and learn about different types of animals that live in the wild. This zoo has over 350 types of animals, including some endangered species. Another great place for families is The Staten Island Children’s Museum. They offer many exhibits which are interactive for children to enjoy and learn about the world around them. Also, there is The Staten Island Museum, which provides many other exhibits filled with artifacts and other things that tell about the history of Staten Island. 

However, not all attractions are centered on animals or children. There is also one adult-oriented attraction: The Staten Island Botanical Garden, which offers many flowers and plants native to the area. The garden has over 50 acres of land, with 24 different ecosystems spread throughout them. There is also an amphitheater where you can watch shows about plants and animals. The garden even hosts thousands of plant species from around the world so people can enjoy them. Staten Island also has many beautiful beaches if you are interested in viewing attractions and taking part in them. The best time to visit the beaches would be in the summer, but they are accessible to everyone.

Staten Island truly has something for everyone, so whether you are young or old, Staten Island is the place to be!