History of Staten Island, New York, USA

1763 - First international sports hero, boxer Bill Richmond of Staten Island, was born August 5, 1763.

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1854 - Staten Island
Staten Island, in New York bay, 5 or 6 miles S. W. from the city, is separated from New Jersey by Staten Island sound, and from Long Island by the Narrows, is about 14 miles long, and from 4 to 8 miles wide, constitutes the county of Richmond, and forms the southern extremity of the state. (See Richmond County, N. Y.) The northern portion of it, denominated Richmond Hill, rises from either shore into a beautifully rounded elevation, 307 feet above the level of the sea. This is occupied with many splendid mansions, and surrounded with the most enchanting scenery. A marine telegraph has been erected on a hill, near the Narrows. On a bluff, the E. side of the island, 10 miles N. N. W. from Sandy Hook, stands the Prince's Bay lighthouse, exhibiting ! a fixed light having 11 lamps, 29 feet 11 inches from its base, and 106 feet 11 inches above the level of the sea. Steam ferries connect Staten island with New York, and boats from Newark touch at different landings on the N. side.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1860 - Richmond County, New York
This county was organized Nov. 1, 1683. It includes Staten Island, Shooters Island, and the islands of the meadow in Staten Island Sound. It is separated from Long Island by New York Bay, the Narrows, and New York Harbor; from Bergen, N. J. by the Kil Van Kull; and from N. J. on the w. by the Arthur Kil, or Staten Island Sound. Staten Island is nearly oval-shaped, its longest diameter extending N. E. and s. w. It is 14 mi. long by 8 broad, has an area of 58½ sq. mi., and is centrally distant 146 mi. from Albany. Princess Bay and Great Kils are small bays upon the s. shore. Fresh Kils is a tidal estuary extending about 3 mi. inland from Staten Island Sound, and during high tide it is navigable nearly its whole extent. The surface of the co. is mostly level or gently undulating. A broad range of hills extends from the Narrows across the island, terminating between the branches of the Fresh Kils. Near Tompkinsville these hills attain an elevation of 310 ft. They are composed of granitie... Read MORE...

1870 - July 30 - Staten Island ferry "Westfield" burns, killing 100

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July 30, 1870

1884 - September 5 – Staten Island Academy is founded.

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September 5, 1884

1902 - STATEN ISLAND FERRYBOAT ACCIDENT.
The heavy and rather unusual spring fog which enveloped bay and river to-day was responsible for two serious collisions in the harbor, in one of which one man was killed and in the other a hundred or more passengers were carried down with the tide on an almost helpless ferryboat, but were later rescued uninjured in a panic stricken condition. The crash resulting in a fatality occurred at a little before 11 o'clock between the steam yacht AILEEN and the Staten Island Rapid Transit Company's ferryboat, MIDDLETOWN. Near Governor's Island the yacht's bowsprit smashed the starboard side of the Middletown and J. C. ATTERBURY of Manor Road, West New Brighton, Staten Island, who was sitting in the men's cabin, was instantly killed.

The Middletown left St. George, S. I., at 10:20 o'clock for her slip at South Ferry. The bay was covered with a dense fog and her whistle was blown repeatedly. Everything went smoothly until after Bay Ridge was passed, when Captain CATTERMOLE noticed a steam... Read MORE...

1906
Stat'en Island, the southernmost part of New York state and of New York city, of which latter it constitutes the borough of Richmond. It is 13 miles long and is 5 miles SW. of the extremity of Manhattan Island. It is separated from Long Island by the Narrows, and from New Jersey by two narrow channels called Staten Island Sound (or Arthur Kill) and Kill van Kull, the latter of which connects New York Bay with Newark Bay. The surface is moderately hilly, rising to a little over 300 feet (Grimes Hill ), and presents diversified and beautiful scenery. There are many fine mansions and villas. The largest village on the island is New Brighton, which is on the northern shore. Forts Tompkins and Wadsworth, situated on or near the Narrows, defend the entrance to New York city. Area, 63 sq. m. Pop. in 1900, 67,000.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1918 - PENNED IN OVERTURNED CAR. THIRTY-ONE PERSONS INJURED IN STATEN ISLAND TROLLEY ACCIDENT.
Thirty-one persons were injured last night, two seriously, when a steel trolley car on the Richmond Light and Railway Company was derailed on the curve at Richmond Turnpike and Jewett Avenue, Castleton Corners, S. I., by the failure of the airbrakes. The momentum of the car was so great that it left the track and ran about 200 feet before it overturned.

When LOUIS SCHALZO, the motorman, found that the airbreaks had failed he sized the emergency handbrake and tried to stop the car, but it had gathered such speed that his effort failed. He shouted to the passengers to leave the car, and JOHN HAYWARD, the conductor, tried to operate the air apparatus to open the doors, but it would not work. The crash threw one end of the car from the trucks, broke all the windows, and unloosened seats, so that none of the thirty-one passengers escaped injury. After the car had turned over policemen had to break open the steel cars with crowbars to release the passengers.

Those seriously injured in ... Read MORE...

1928 - June 29 - The Outerbridge Crossing and Goethals Bridge in Staten Island, New York both opened.

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June 29, 1928

1937 - BUILDING COLLAPSE KILLS 19. OCCUPANTS OF THREE TENEMENTS DIE WHILE SLEEPING EARLY TODAY. TONS OF WATER, ROARING DOWN FROM OVERFLOW STORM SEWERS, RIPS BUILDINGS ASUNDER, CRUSHING RESIDENTS TO DEATH.
New York, Aug. 12. (AP) - At least 19 persons were crushed to death in their sleep early today, amid a smothering avalanche of bricks and debris, when three Staten Island tenement buildings collapsed during a violent rainstorm.

Tons of water, roaring down from an overflowing storm sewer about midnight, struck the ancient brick dwellings and ripped them asunder.
Rescue squads of police and firemen pulled at the tangled wreckage for additional victims.

Three persons were still missing. Four others, who escaped from the shattered structures, were taken to the Staten Island Hospital with serious injuries.

Patrolman JOSEPH McBREEN of Emergency Squad No. 10, the first rescuer on the scene, died a hero. He plunged into one of the buildings after the first collapsed. Searching squads found him later buried in the wreckage. In his arms with her arms curled tightly around his neck, was the body of 4-year-old VIRGINIA BUDNICK.

The disaster struck at the height of a thunder and... Read MORE...

1946 - 2 DEAD IN FIRE ON STATEN ISLE, LOSS 2 MILLION. 34 PERSONS HURT, ST. GEORGE FERRY HOUSE DESTROYED.
New York, (AP) - Two persons burned to death and 34 were overcome or injured yesterday in a nine-alarm, $2,000,000 blaze which engulfed Staten Island's St. George ferry terminal shortly after it had been emptied of 500 passengers.

The dead were MRS. CORNELIUS WHITE, a ticket agent, and Fireman HAROLD CLENDENING, 59. Both lived on Staten Island.

Sparks from a short-circuit on a Staten Island electric train started the fire, about 2 p.m., said Assistant District Attorney Herman Methfessel.

Within five minutes the 40-year-old rambling wooden structure was a mass of flames, fed by paint, oil and grease in a basement shop. Giant billows of white smoke poured from the building.

CLENDENING was trapped by the fast-spreading flames when he tried to rescue MRS. WHITE.

Fourteen persons were injured and 20 others, mostly firemen, police and ferry employes, were overcome by smoke and heat. It was two hours before the fire was brought under control.

Five hundred passengers had... Read MORE...

Whether you're into outdoor activities, history, or just want to enjoy some good food, there's something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Staten Island:
Visit the Staten Island Ferry:
Start your Staten Island adventure with a ride on the iconic Staten Island Ferry. It's not only a great way to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline but also a completely free experience. The ferry runs 24/ 7 and departs from Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden:
This historic site was once a home for retired sailors and is now a thriving cultural hub. Explore the stunning botanical gardens, art galleries, and museums. Don't forget to check out the Chinese Scholar's Garden, a tranquil oasis within the complex.

Historic Richmond Town:
Step back in time and visit this living history village. You'll find restored homes, shops, and buildings dating back to the 17th century. It's a fascinating glimpse into Staten Island's past.

Sandy Ground Historical Museum:
Learn about the rich African American history of Staten Island at this museum. It celebrates the community of Sandy Ground, one of... Read MORE...