Often called the "Forgotten Borough," Staten Island (Richmond County) is perhaps New York City’s best-kept secret. While Manhattan has the neon lights and Brooklyn has the industrial chic, Staten Island offers a blend of colonial history, sprawling nature, and a surprisingly eclectic cultural scene.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor, here is your guide to exploring the island’s rich past and vibrant present.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Richmond County
Before it was a residential hub, Staten Island was a wild frontier.
The Lenape Origins: Long before European contact, the island was inhabited by the Lenape people, who called it Aquehonga Manacknong ("place of bad woods" or "enchanted woods").
Dutch "Staaten Eylandt":
In 1609, Henry Hudson sailed into the harbor, but it was the Dutch who officially named it Staaten Eylandt in honor of their parliament. It took decades of conflict with the native population before permanent settlements took hold in the 1660s. A British Stronghold: During the Revolutionary War, Staten Island was a major base for the British Army.
In 1776, the "Conference House" at the southern tip hosted a failed peace conference between British Admiral Lord Howe and American leaders like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Consolidation: In 1898, Staten Island officially joined New York City.
To this day, residents often refer to it as Richmond County (its legal name since 1683), maintaining a distinct identity from the rest of the city.
Top Things to Do: The Essential Tour
1. The World’s Best Free Boat Ride
The Staten Island Ferry isn't just a commute; it’s a legend. For $0.00, you get a 25-minute cruise across the harbor with front-row views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Pro-Tip: Once you dock at St. George, don't just turn around. Walk out of the terminal to explore the surrounding neighborhood!
2. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
This is arguably the most beautiful spot on the island. Originally built in the 1830s as a home for "retired, decrepit, and worn-out sailors," it is now an 83-acre cultural park.
The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden: One of only two authentic classical Chinese gardens in the U.S. It features stunning pavilions, waterfalls, and koi ponds.
The Staten Island Museum: Located within the Snug Harbor complex, it covers everything from local natural history to fine art.
3. Historic Richmond Town
Step back into the 17th century.
4. The Alice Austen House
Perched on the waterfront, this Gothic Revival cottage was the home of Alice Austen, one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers.
5. Outdoor Escape: The Greenbelt
Staten Island isn't called the "Borough of Parks" for nothing.
High Rock Park: Often called the "Jewel in the Crown," it features hiking trails that make you forget you're in the five boroughs.
Fort Wadsworth: One of the oldest military installations in the U.S., offering panoramic views of the harbor and tunnels waiting to be explored.
A Taste of Staten Island
You can’t visit without eating. The island is world-famous for its Italian-American cuisine.
Pizza: Whether it’s the thin-crust legend at Joe & Pat’s or the heavy-hitting pies at Denino’s, the pizza here rivals anything in Brooklyn or Manhattan.
Sri Lankan Food: Staten Island is home to one of the largest Sri Lankan communities outside of Sri Lanka. Head to Lakruwana for a weekend buffet that will change your life.
Getting Around
The Staten Island Railway (SIR) runs the length of the island from the ferry terminal to Tottenville. However, to see the best parks and historic sites, a car or a ride-share is often the easiest way to navigate.
Staten Island is a place that rewards the curious. It’s a borough of quiet hills, deep history, and some of the best views in the world—all just a ferry ride away.
