30 Interesting Facts About Staten Island

Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located in the southwest part of the city. It is the least populated borough but offers a unique blend of suburban and urban living. Staten Island is known for its scenic parks, historic landmarks, and diverse communities.

The borough is connected to the rest of New York City by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Staten Island Ferry, which offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. With its rich history and natural beauty, Staten Island provides residents and visitors alike with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Interesting Facts About Staten Island

1. Staten Island is the southernmost part of New York City.
2. It is sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten Borough” due to its relatively low population density.
3. Staten Island is the third-largest borough by area, covering approximately 58 square miles.
4. The borough is connected to New Jersey by three bridges: the Goethals Bridge, the Outerbridge Crossing, and the Bayonne Bridge.
5. Staten Island is known for its diverse neighborhoods, including St. George, Tompkinsville, and Tottenville.
6. The Staten Island Ferry provides free transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan, with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
7. Staten Island is home to the Staten Island Zoo, which features over 1,500 animals from around the world.
8. The borough has several historic landmarks, including the Conference House, where a failed peace conference was held during the American Revolutionary War.
9. Staten Island’s Fort Wadsworth is one of the oldest military installations in the United States, dating back to the early 19th century.
10. The Staten Island Greenbelt is a 2,800-acre park system that includes forests, wetlands, and hiking trails.
11. Staten Island is known for its unique dialect, often referred to as “Staten Island English.”
12. The borough’s cultural institutions include the Staten Island Museum, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, and Historic Richmond Town.
13. Staten Island is home to the College of Staten Island, a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY).
14. The Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island was once the largest landfill in the world and is now being transformed into Freshkills Park, a massive public park.
15. The Staten Island Mall is the borough’s largest shopping center, featuring over 200 stores and restaurants.
16. Staten Island has a thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and performance spaces throughout the borough.
17. The Staten Island Yankees, a minor league baseball team, play their home games at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.
18. Staten Island is home to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, a major transportation hub for commuters traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan.
19. The borough’s neighborhoods have a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events and festivals.
20. Staten Island is known for its beautiful beaches, including South Beach, Midland Beach, and Wolfe’s Pond Park Beach.
21. The Staten Island Railway provides transportation within the borough, connecting neighborhoods from St. George to Tottenville.
22. Staten Island is home to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, a historic site with gardens, museums, and performing arts venues.
23. The borough’s waterfront areas offer stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the New York Harbor.
24. Staten Island has a rich maritime history, with many residents working in the shipping and maritime industries.
25. The Staten Island Advance is the borough’s daily newspaper, providing news and information to residents since 1886.
26. Staten Island has a strong tradition of Italian-American culture, with many residents tracing their heritage back to Italy.
27. The borough’s parks and recreational facilities offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor activities.
28. Staten Island is home to several historic lighthouses, including the Staten Island Range Light and the Old Orchard Shoal Light.
29. The Staten Island Yankees are a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees and compete in the New York-Penn League.
30. Staten Island’s neighborhoods are known for their diverse architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial, and Tudor homes.