Staten Island

Staten Island
source
Subdivision type	Borough
Subdivision name	New York City
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York (state)
Subdivision type2	Country
Subdivision name2	United States

Staten Island, located in the New York Harbor, is one of the five boroughs of New York City, with a population of approximately 495,747 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. The island is connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and to New Jersey by the Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, and Bayonne Bridge. Staten Island is home to many notable institutions, including the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and the College of Staten Island.

Geography

Staten Island is situated in the New York Harbor, with the Arthur Kill separating it from New Jersey. The island's terrain is characterized by hills, forests, and coastal wetlands, with the Todt Hill being the highest point, at an elevation of 401 feet above sea level. The island is also home to several parks, including the F.D.R. Boardwalk, South Beach, and the Staten Island Greenbelt, which features the High Rock Park and the LaTourette Park. The Fresh Kills Park is another notable green space, built on the site of the former Fresh Kills Landfill, which was once the largest landfill in the world. The park is designed by James Corner Field Operations, the same firm that designed the High Line in Manhattan.

History

The history of Staten Island dates back to the Lenape Native American tribe, who inhabited the island before the arrival of European settlers. In 1609, Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River and explored the island, which was later settled by the Dutch West India Company. The island was named Staaten Eylandt by the Dutch, which translates to "Island of the States". During the American Revolution, Staten Island was a key location for the British Army, with the Battle of Staten Island taking place in 1777. The island was also home to the Staten Island Peace Conference, which was held in 1776, and was attended by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge. The conference was an attempt to negotiate a peace treaty between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Staten Island was approximately 495,747 people, with a diverse range of ethnic and racial groups. The island is home to a large Italian-American community, as well as significant populations of Irish-American, German-American, and African American residents. The island is also home to a growing Hispanic and Latino American population, with many residents tracing their ancestry to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The Staten Island Borough President is James Oddo, who has been in office since 2014. The island is represented in the United States Congress by Max Rose, who represents the New York's 11th congressional district.

Economy

The economy of Staten Island is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and retail. The island is home to several major hospitals, including the Staten Island University Hospital and the Richmond University Medical Center. The College of Staten Island is a major employer on the island, as well as the Staten Island Ferry, which connects the island to Manhattan. The ferry is operated by the New York City Department of Transportation and carries over 70,000 passengers per day. The island is also home to several major retail centers, including the Staten Island Mall and the Forest Avenue shopping district. The Empire Outlets is a new retail development on the island, which features a range of stores and restaurants, including Nordstrom Rack and H&M.

Transportation

Staten Island is connected to the rest of New York City by the Staten Island Ferry, which runs between the St. George Terminal and the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan. The island is also connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which carries the I-278 highway. The Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, and Bayonne Bridge connect the island to New Jersey. The island has a comprehensive network of buses, including the Staten Island Bus, which is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Staten Island Railway is a passenger rail line that runs from the St. George Terminal to the Tottenville station, with several stops in between.

Culture

Staten Island has a rich cultural scene, with a range of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The Staten Island Museum is a major cultural institution on the island, with a collection of over 500,000 objects and artifacts. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is another notable cultural institution, which features a range of gardens, museums, and performance venues. The St. George Theatre is a historic theater that hosts a range of performances, including concerts, plays, and musicals. The island is also home to several festivals and events, including the Staten Island Festival, which celebrates the island's diverse cultural heritage. The Tribeca Film Festival has also been held on the island, with several screenings and events taking place at the St. George Theatre and other venues. The island is also home to several notable residents, including Paul Sorvino, Steve Buscemi, and Victor Argo, who have all made significant contributions to the world of film and theater. Category:New York City