Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Staten Island's path to New York involved three name changes, two colonial powers, and a jurisdictional dispute spanning decades.
Dutch colony Nieuw Nederland surrenders to English. Dutch called island "Staaten Eylandt" (States Island) — after the Staten Generaal (Dutch parliament). English rename it "Yorkshire" — part of proprietary grant to Duke of York (future James II).
King Charles II objects to "Yorkshire" (confusing with English county). Renames it "Richmond County" — after his illegitimate son, Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond.
Colonial administration restores "Staten Island" — Anglicized Dutch name sticks permanently.
Critical moment: Governor Thomas Dongan of New York granted jurisdiction. Despite land patents citing both New York and New Jersey, Dongan's authority established enduring New York control. The Duke of York's patent included "all islands in Hudson River" — interpreted to include Staten Island.
1898 Consolidation: Staten Island (Richmond County) joins NYC as borough of Richmond (renamed Staten Island 1975). 1993 Secession Vote: 65% voted to leave NYC — blocked by state legislature. Today: Only NYC borough not connected by subway; distinct identity persists.
From Staaten Eylandt to Yorkshire to Richmond to Staten Island — the name changes reflect imperial ambitions, royal egos, and a jurisdictional tug-of-war that New York ultimately won.