Special Sub-Topic: The Isle of Staten Click Here To Play: The Isle of Staten

What nickname is often used to describe Staten Island?

The Forgotten Borough. Because it is the smallest borough, residents sometimes feel it's the last to receive city services. After being snowed in for days without seeing a snowplow, I often feel forgotten myself.

Nearly 40,000 runners race in the New York City marathon. Where is the starting line?

The Verrazano Narrows Bridge. The NYC marathon is the largest marathon in the world. The course covers all five boroughs of New York City, beginning in Staten Island and ending in Central Park.

Staten Island has the highest point on the east coast of the United States south of Maine. What is it called?

Todt Hill. At 410 feet above sea level, the intersection of Todt Hill Road and Ocean Terrace is the highest point on the East Coast. The area is also known for the mansions which were built there to enjoy the view. Todt Hill is home to some of the most valuable property on Staten Island.

The largest living thing in Staten Island is over 107 feet tall and over 300 years old. What is it?

A tulip tree in Clove Lake Park. Standing at the northeast corner of Clove Lakes Park, the tulip tree is recognized by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation as the oldest and largest living tree on Staten Island and is often pictured in New York City guidebooks. Surprisingly, this tree survived the extensive logging and clearing by the early settlers to the area. The majestic branches now provide shade to a children's playground. Thousands of school children visit the tree each year on class trips and are awed by its size. For more information about the tree and Clove Lakes Park, please check out the NYC Parks Department website at http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=7659

Which Staten Island College, known for its drama and theater department and its beautiful view of New York Harbor, was once home to the Vanderbilt and Cunard estates?

Wagner College. Wagner College is situated on 110 acres on the highest point of Grymes Hill. The school was built on the former estates of the Cunard and Vanderbilt families, and several of the buildings are original. Because of its beauty, many films and television shows have been shot on the campus.

Which bridge connects Staten Island and Brooklyn?

The Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Completed in 1964, with a center span of 4,260 feet, the Verrazano is the largest suspension bridge in the United States. The double-decked bridge is famous for being the starting point of the New York marathon.

The most southern bridge in New York State is the Outerbridge Crossing. How did it get this name?

It was named after Mr. Outerbridge.. Most people think that the Outerbridge Crossing was named because of its location, but it was really named after Eugenius H. Outerbridge, the first chairman of the Port of New York Authority. The word "Crossing" was used so it wouldn't be the Outerbridge Bridge. Most Staten Islanders just call it The Outerbridge. The Outerbridge family were prominent members of the Staten Island community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are interred in majestic mausoleums in both the Moravian and Silver Lake cemeteries.

Built in 1680, what Staten Island landmark was the site of a 1776 peace conference between the Commander of British Forces and representatives of the Continental Congress?

The Conference House. Among the Americans attending the peace conference were Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The Conference house is the only pre-Revolutionary manor house still standing in New York City and is recognized as a National Landmark.

Besides being one of the five boroughs of New York City, Staten Island is also one of the five counties. What is its official county name?

Richmond County. Besides being the smallest borough, Staten Island is also the most suburban county of NYC. It's often called a little bit of country in the city. Legend has it that it became part of New York City in 1687 when Capt. Christopher Billopp's Manhattan team won a sailing race against a New Jersey team when they circumnavigated the island in one day.

The Staten Island Ferry is one is the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. How many passengers travel on those big orange boats on an average weekday?

Over 60,000 passengers a day. The fleet makes the 25 minute trip across New York Harbor 109 times every weekday, utilizing five boats, and 75 times on Saturdays and 68 times every Sunday, using a three boat fleet. According to the Department of Transportation, and its website, www.siferry.com, the ferry fleet carries over 20,000,000 passengers a year on over 35,000 trips. Along its route between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, it passes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governor's Island. And the best part-- it's free!