Walk Back into History:

Four centuries of architectural styles on Staten Island


'Virtual' Walking Tours: Overview

Surviving buildings from the late 1600s

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From a simple farmhouse in Dongan Hills to the imposing stone manor in Tottenville, see the buildings remaining from 17th century Staten Island.

Architecture of the 1700s Colonial era

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The historic buildings Include stone houses and one of the few large pre-Revolutionary War country homes still standing in New York City.

Diversity of styles built in the 1800s

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See examples of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne and other 19th century styles.

Classics: Early 1900s

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As rural Staten Island developed into a NYC suburb, new residential construction included Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Spanish Revival and other architectural styles.


Preserve Our History

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The purpose of this website is to increase public awareness and appreciation of Staten Island's historic architecture, and generate support for its care and preservation.

Acknowledgment

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This project was made possible in part by a DCA Premier Grant from the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island, with public funding from New York City's  Department of Cultural Affairs.

How to Navigate this Website:

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Finding the 'Virtual' Tours

Use the horizontal navigation bar at the top of the home page. Click on one of the four centuries to read its introductory page, followed by a gallery of photographs.

* Survivors from the 1600s

Following the introduction is a gallery with 22 photographs of historic buildings in Dongan Hills, New Dorp, Tottenville, and Historic Richmond Town. All of them --except one -- are officially designated New York City landmarks.

* Colonial-era Architecture: 1700s

This tour, with 22 photographs, looks at five surviving 18th century buildings in Historic Richmond Town, West Brighton, New Brighton and New Dorp.  Only one building lacks status as an official New York City landmark. 

* Architectural Styles of the 1800s

See examples of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, Shingle and High Victorian Gothic styles: With 120 photos of homes, churches and other buildings in ten neighborhoods.


* Early 20th Century Styles: 1900 - 1930s

With 66 photos, this section presents Tudor Revival, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival and other styles in 13 neighborhoods.