North Shore, Staten Island facts for kids
The North Shore is a special part of Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs. It's a collection of neighborhoods located along the northern coast of the island. This area is known for being the oldest and most lively part of Staten Island. It's a place where many different cultures come together.
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What is the North Shore?
The North Shore includes many communities. Some of these are Mariners Harbor, Port Richmond, Westerleigh, Graniteville, Castleton Corners, West Brighton, New Brighton, St. George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, Grymes Hill, Park Hill, Clifton, and Rosebank. Many people consider the Staten Island Expressway to be the southern boundary of this area.
A Look Back: History of the North Shore
The North Shore is the oldest and most crowded part of Staten Island. People have lived here for a very long time.
Early Communities
Archaeologists have found signs that the first Leni Lenape communities lived here as early as 2100 BC. These were the original inhabitants of the land.
European Contact
The first time Europeans saw Staten Island was in 1524. An explorer named Giovanni da Verrazzano recorded it. Later, in 1609, Henry Hudson started Dutch trade in the area. He named the island "Staaten Eylandt" after the Dutch parliament.
Historic Events and People
Many important events happened along the North Shore's waterfront.
- In 1661, New York Governor Thomas Dongan built his manor house here.
- Frederick Douglass, a famous speaker, gave talks at the Fountain Hotel.
- Anna Leonowens, known from "The King and I," had a school here.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt, a powerful railway tycoon, was born here in 1797.
- In 1836, former Vice President Aaron Burr passed away in Port Richmond.
Fun Places to Visit: Points of Interest
The North Shore has many exciting places to see and visit.
Famous Landmarks
- The Staten Island Ferry: This famous ferry takes you to Manhattan.
- Staten Island Borough Hall: The main government building for Staten Island.
- Alice Austen House: A historic home of a famous photographer.
- Fort Wadsworth: An old military fort with great views.
- Sailors' Snug Harbor: A beautiful collection of historic buildings and gardens.
- The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden: A peaceful and artistic garden.
- Staten Island Zoo: Home to many different animals.
- St. George Theatre: A historic theater that hosts live shows.
- Staten Island Children's Museum: A fun place for kids to learn and play.
- Silver Lake Park and Clove Lakes Park: Large parks with green spaces and activities.
Richmond Terrace: An Old Road
Richmond Terrace is the oldest road on Staten Island. It runs from the Staten Island Ferry to the Goethals Bridge. It was first an Indian footpath. British soldiers later made it into a road during the Revolutionary War. You can still see many historic buildings along this street today. These include the first YMCA building from 1869 and the beautiful Greek Revival buildings at Sailors' Snug Harbor.
Who Lives Here: Demographics
The North Shore is a very diverse area. People from many different backgrounds live here.
A Mix of Cultures
The population includes people of White, African-American, and Hispanic backgrounds. Many new immigrants have also come to the North Shore. They come from countries like Sri Lanka, Trinidad, Liberia, and the Philippines. Since the 1990s, many Mexican immigrants, especially from Michoacán, have moved to areas like Port Richmond and Tompkinsville. This mix of cultures makes the North Shore a vibrant and interesting place to live.
Getting Around: Transportation
The North Shore is well-connected by public transportation.
Buses and Trains
The Castleton Bus Depot is the main bus hub for the North Shore. The Staten Island Railway also has several stops here. These include Saint George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, and Clifton. All local buses and the railway end at the ferry terminal.
The Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a major way to travel. It connects the North Shore to Manhattan. It's also a popular free ride for tourists.
How People Work: Economy
The North Shore has a busy economy with many different types of jobs and businesses.
Working Waterfront
The North Shore has New York City's busiest working waterfront. Many companies operate along the Kill Van Kull shoreline. These include:
- Howland Hook Marine Terminal
- Cadell Dry Dock
- Atlantic Salt
- Sandy Hook Pilots
- United States Coast Guard
These businesses help keep the New York Harbor running smoothly.
Local Businesses and Entertainment
The waterfront also has nice restaurants and local taverns. These places offer fun entertainment for residents. Local vendors sell their goods at places like Gerardi's produce and the weekly Green Market.
Major Employers
The two largest employers on Staten Island are Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital. Both of these hospitals serve the North Shore area.
New Developments
The former HomePort site is being redeveloped. It will soon have shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This will create new job opportunities for people living nearby.
Shopping and Arts
The St. George Theatre is the oldest theater on Staten Island. It has been restored and offers live performances. This also creates jobs. You can find old-fashioned shopping areas along Forest Avenue, Bay Street, Victory Boulevard, and Port Richmond Avenue.
