Ever wondered how Staten Island became part of New York? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a fascinating piece of colonial history! Picture this: It's August 10, 1677. The Dutch are making moves in the New World, and they've set their sights on a little island off the coast of what will one day become New York City. Yep, you guessed it - Staten Island! Now, here's where it gets interesting. The Dutch didn't just plant a flag and call it a day. Nope, they actually bought the island from the Lenape Native Americans. And get this - they sealed the deal with a formal deed written in Dutch. Talk about official! So, what did the Lenape get in return for this prime real estate? The Dutch came through with a variety of goods - we're talking tools, wampum (that's Native American currency, folks), and other trade items. Not exactly Manhattan-for-$24 levels of bargain, but still a pretty sweet deal for the Dutch. This deed isn't just some dusty old document, though. It's like a window into the past, showing us how Europeans and Native Americans interacted way back when. It's the starting gun for Staten Island's transformation into the borough we know today. Pretty cool, right? Next time you're cruising on the Staten Island Ferry, just think - you're floating over a piece of land with a seriously rich history. Who knew a single document could tell us so much?

The Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island, once the largest landfill in the world, closed in 2001. It is being transformed into a massive 2,200-acre wildlife park, set to be fully restored by 2037. This park will be three times the size of Central Park, showcasing nature’s incredible ability to heal and renew.

Staten Island, the often overlooked borough of New York City, has been home to many notable personalities across various fields.

Staten Island, NY - The 5th Anniversary Street Renaming Ceremony and Memorial Mass in honor of Detective Christopher E. Cranston will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024. This event commemorates the memory of post-9/11 heroes. Schedule: • Street Renaming Ceremony: 10:00 AM at Sterling Avenue and 10th Street, Staten Island, NY 10306. • Memorial Mass: 12:00 PM at St. Christopher RC Church, 130 Midland Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306. Join us in honoring the legacy and service of Detective Cranston.

The recent defacement of Staten Island’s 9/11 Memorial with offensive graffiti is a shocking display of disrespect. This act, combining anti-police rhetoric with a poorly executed political statement, tarnishes a space meant to honor the memory of 9/11 victims. It’s a sobering reminder of how extremist views and antisemitism are increasingly manifesting in public vandalism. The quick cleanup by the NYC Economic Development Corporation reflects the community’s resilience against such hateful actions.

Today marks the arrival of Admiral Howe’s fleet at Staten Island, bringing the largest British expeditionary force ever assembled. This formidable fleet, arriving along with other ships before and after, represents a significant escalation in the British military presence in the American colonies. Local residents observed the imposing sight as ships filled New York Harbor, signaling the intensification of the conflict between the colonies and the British Crown.

An interesting map has surfaced, offering a humorous take on how a New Yorker might view Chicago. Dubbed “A New Yorker’s Guide to Chicago,” the map draws parallels between various Chicago neighborhoods and New York City boroughs. According to the map, the southwestern part of Chicago is akin to Staten Island. This playful comparison invites us to see the Windy City through the eyes of a New Yorker. Do you agree with these correlations? Share your thoughts!

Giffords Lane, a rock band hailing from the Great Kills neighborhood of Staten Island, left a memorable mark on the local music scene. Comprised of young musicians aged 15 to 19, the four-piece band performed over 200 shows across the Northeast during their active years. Local Success Giffords Lane quickly became a local favorite, headlining at the prestigious St. George Theatre in Staten Island. Their energetic performances and undeniable talent earned them a dedicated fan base and significant recognition within the community. Sharing the Stage with Rock Icons In addition to their local success, Giffords Lane had the unique opportunity to open for renowned rock bands Quiet Riot and Guns N’ Roses at private parties. These high-profile gigs showcased their growing reputation and ability to hold their own alongside music legends. Great Kills Roots The band’s strong connection to Great Kills played a pivotal role in their journey. The local community’s support was instrumental in their rise, providing a solid foundation for their expanding presence in the music world. A Lasting Impact Although Giffords Lane is no longer performing, their influence on the Great Kills music scene remains significant. They exemplified the talent and potential of young local musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Great Kills has always been a nurturing ground for talent, and Giffords Lane stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and community support.

The Great Kills neighborhood in Staten Island has a surprising local star: a giant pig that has made its home in one of the front yards. Behind a white picket fence, this unique resident can often be seen lounging in the yard of a charming white two-story house with maroon shutters. This unexpected sight has quickly made the home a point of interest in the community. The pig, who doesn’t have a widely known name, is owned by a longtime resident of Great Kills. According to the owner, the pig has been a part of the family for several years. “We got him as a little piglet, and he’s grown up with us,” the owner shared. “He’s very gentle and enjoys interacting with people.” At first, neighbors were taken aback by the unconventional pet, but they have since grown fond of the pig. “Initially, it was surprising,” said a next-door neighbor. “But now, he’s just part of our daily lives. The children especially love him.” The front yard, which the pig calls home, includes a rustic shed and plenty of space for roaming. The owner has made sure the area is safe and comfortable, allowing the pig to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the warmer seasons. The pig’s presence has brought joy and sparked many conversations among residents and on social media. “He’s become quite popular,” the owner noted. “People often stop to take pictures or say hello. It’s amazing how much happiness he brings to everyone.” The Great Kills community, known for its strong neighborhood spirit, has embraced this unexpected addition. The pig has become a symbol of the neighborhood’s friendly and welcoming nature. For those wanting to see this unusual Staten Island resident, a trip to the streets of Great Kills might offer a delightful surprise.

The Greenbelt Nature Center on Staten Island offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature with its extensive network of hiking trails and diverse ecosystems. Located at 700 Rockland Avenue, the center is accessible via public transportation and serves as a starting point for exploring the Greenbelt, which features forests, wetlands, and meadows. In addition to outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching, visitors can learn about the area’s ecological and cultural significance at the center’s educational exhibits.

The Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Here's a brief timeline of its significant events: * 1870s: Father John Drumgoole founded the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin on Staten Island, an institution dedicated to caring for orphaned and disadvantaged children. * 1891: The cornerstone for the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne was laid, serving the children and staff of the Mission. * 1972: The church gained brief cinematic fame as a filming location for the movie "The Godfather." * 1973: A major fire severely damaged the church, leaving only the facade standing. * 1976: The church was rebuilt, incorporating the surviving facade with a new structure.

Folks, let’s talk about Midland Beach in Staten Island. If you haven’t heard of it, that’s not surprising. It’s one of those places that the mainstream travel guides just seem to ignore. But let me tell you, it’s a gem. Midland Beach offers everything you want from a beach without the overcrowded chaos of other spots. The boardwalk is perfect for a peaceful stroll, and the playground and splash park are ideal for families. Now, you might ask, why isn’t this place more popular? Could it be that the so-called “travel experts” want to keep it for themselves? Or maybe it’s just too good to be true. Well, it’s real, and it’s spectacular. Fishing off the pier, enjoying a picnic with your loved ones, or simply soaking up the sun – Midland Beach has it all. And it’s just a short trip from the city.