Staten Island: The Accidental New Yorker
So, you're wondering how Staten Island ended up in the same city as the concrete jungle that is Manhattan, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the 17th century).
The Dutch Did What?
Let's start with the Dutch. Yes, those guys who gave us clogs, windmills, and a questionable love for herring. They were the original settlers of the area, calling it Staaten Eylandt. It's like they were trying to win a prize for the most boring island name ever. Anyhow, these Dutchies were pretty chill, but then the English came along and were like, "Hey, we want that island." And being the polite sorts they were, the Dutch were all, "Sure, take it."
A Royal Mix-Up
Now, this is where things get interesting. The English king, Charles II, was feeling generous and gifted the entire colony to his brother, James, Duke of York. It's like giving your sibling the keys to the candy store and saying, "Eat as much as you want!" So, James, being the ambitious type, claimed all of New Netherland, which included Staten Island.
A Case of Mistaken Identity?
There's a popular legend that says the Duke of York couldn't decide if Staten Island belonged to New York or New Jersey. So, he came up with a genius plan: whoever could sail around the island the fastest got to keep it. A captain named Christopher Billopp allegedly won the race for New York.
But here's the kicker: That's completely made up! The truth is much less exciting. Staten Island was actually part of a larger territorial dispute between New York and New Jersey, which was eventually settled by a third party. And guess what? Staten Island stayed with New York. Talk about a lucky break!
The Final Straw
Fast forward a few centuries, and Staten Island was tired of being the red-headed stepchild of New York City. So, in 1898, they decided to join the party. It was a controversial move, but it happened. And now, Staten Island is officially one of the five boroughs of New York City.
So, there you have it. Staten Island: The Island That Time Forgot (and then remembered).
How to... Staten Island Edition
- How to pronounce Staten Island? Stay-tun Island.
- How to survive the ferry ride? Bring a good book and maybe some Dramamine.
- How to find a good pizza place on Staten Island? Just ask a local. They'll have a strong opinion.
- How to experience the best of Staten Island? Visit the Staten Island Zoo, take a hike in the Greenbelt, and enjoy the waterfront views.
- How to avoid traffic on the Staten Island Bridge? Good luck with that.