Stat′en Island, the chief island in New York Harbor, forming Richmond County, N. Y., and the borough of Richmond in the enlarged city now known as Greater New York. It received its name from early Dutch settlers in honor of the states-general (Dutch Staten). It has an area of 58½ square miles, and is about 13 miles in length and eight in breadth. It is separated from Long Island by the Narrows and from New Jersey by the Kill von Kull and Staten Island Sound, and has steam-ferry communication with New York City and with New Jersey, while the Staten Island Rapid Transit Railroad reaches the towns, villages and watering places of importance on the island. Close to Clifton is Fort Wadsworth, and on the north shore is Sailor’s Snug Harbor, an asylum for aged and infirm mariners. At Stapleton is a United States marine hospital, and between St. George and Tompkinsville is a United States lighthouse-station. On the island are the residences of many of the business men of New York City. Population 85,969.
