Staten Island

In 1624, the Dutch West India Company sent 30 families to establish a settlement on the southern tip of Manhattan, which became the colony of New Netherland. This early settlement marked the beginning of European colonization in the area that includes modern-day Staten Island. Staten Island was originally included in this Dutch colony.

The creation of the Manor of Bentley in 1670 was a significant event in the history of Staten Island. An English settler named Captain Christopher Billopp was granted a large tract of land that became known as Bentley Manor. This was part of the English colonial effort to establish manors to govern and organize settlements.

Staten Island became one of the five boroughs of New York City on January 1, 1898. This consolidation was part of the greater unification of the City of Greater New York, which included Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. This major political shift integrated Staten Island more fully into the fabric of the city, influencing its development.

The Staten Island Ferry, which connects Staten Island to Manhattan, began operations in 1904. This ferry service has become an iconic mode of transportation, providing critical and reliable transport for residents of Staten Island to and from Manhattan, as well as a tourist attraction renowned for offering stunning views of New York Harbor.

The Bayonne Bridge, linking Staten Island, New York, to Bayonne, New Jersey, was opened on May 1, 1931. At the time, it was the longest steel arch bridge in the world. Its construction facilitated transport and commerce between Staten Island and the rest of New Jersey, contributing to local economic growth and infrastructure development.

The Staten Island Zoo was established on July 11, 1937, serving as the first U.S. zoo specifically dedicated to reptiles and supporting educational programs. It became a destination for families and tourists alike, contributing to community engagement and conservation efforts over the decades.

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, completed in 1964, connected Staten Island to Brooklyn and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Its opening was crucial in transforming Staten Island's accessibility and development prospects and remains a significant architectural and infrastructural landmark in New York City.

Fresh Kills Landfill was opened in Staten Island in 1948 and, at its peak, was the world's largest landfill. Despite its opening earlier, a critical year in its history was 1971 when it became the primary garbage disposal site for New York City. The landfill was closed in 2001, but its transformation into a park reflects environmental revitalization efforts.

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center had a profound impact on Staten Island, where many of the victims and first responders lived. The island community played a significant role in rescue and recovery efforts, and the Staten Island 9/11 Memorial, completed in 2004, honors the sacrifices and contributions of those impacted.

Hurricane Sandy struck Staten Island on October 29, 2012, causing widespread devastation, loss of life, and extensive property damage. The storm surge, flooding, and winds had a particularly severe impact, leading to major recovery and rebuilding efforts. This event also spurred discussions on climate change and resiliency in coastal communities.