A History Synopsis of Staten Island

Staten Island was occupied by the Aquehonga Indians, which were a branch of the Raritans. The first recorded European contact was in 1524 by Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed through the narrows which separate Staten Island and Long Island. Dutch trade was established on the island in 1609 by Henry Hudson, who named the Island Staaten Eylandt after the Staten-Generaal, which is the Dutch Parliament.

The Dutch tried on three separate occasions to establish permanent residency on the Island. However, these attempts failed due to conflict and fighting between the Dutch and local Tribes. In 1616, a small Dutch group was able to set up a permanent residence south of the narrows.

At the end of the second Anglo-Dutch war in 1667, Staten Island was named and became a part of the English Colony of New York. In 1670 the Indians traded off their claim to Staten Island to the English. In 1683 the Colony of New York was divided into 10 counties, and Staten Island was designated into Richmond County.

New York City currently has 5 boroughs, Staten Island being one of them. Staten Island is shaped like a triangle and is 7.3 miles wide and 13.9 miles in length. It is closer to New Jersey than New York City. The island has 3 bridges connecting it to New Jersey and only one connecting it to New York City, and it is the least populated of New York City's five boroughs. Staten Island is a strong residential area, where the predominate faith is Roman Catholic. It has a strong cultural presence, hosting many museums.