Staten Island

Staten Island is one of the five boroughs that surround New York City. It is the 3rd largest of the boroughs and one of the least populated. Its inhabitants often feel cut off because of their lack of city government and involvement in political matters. Staten Island is the most accepted and admired of the five boroughs of New York City. Its culture makes it unique in reference to the others.

The Staten Island ferry is the only means of transportation to Manhattan. The ferry provides transportation to over 20 million people on an annual basis. The ferry travels five miles for a twenty-five minute ride. The ferry offers a magnificent view of New York Harbor, with no hassles and all for free.

Staten Island was formed by large sheets of ice and was once connected to Long Island. However, once the narrows were formed, it was then once again separated.

Museum complexes are very popular attractions on Staten Island. It is popular for museums like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Alice Austen House Museum, the Conference House, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, the Noble Maritime Collection, the Sandy Ground Historical Museum and the Staten Island Museum. The Island has been chosen to one day become the site of the National Lighthouse Museum.

The island is home to 32 varieties of rattlesnakes and the only one of its kind in the United States. This exhibit has been open to dedicate respect to the wonderful creatures of the wild. The island is home to the Staten Island Zoo.