Attempted European colonization of the island, which was occupied by Unami Indians of the Delaware tribe, began in 1630 by the Dutch. Indian attacks dispelled permanent settlers until 1661, when the Dutch West India Company granted lands to French Waldenses and Huguenots and a colony was established at Oude Dorp (“Old Town”), a few miles south of The Narrows (the channel separating the island from Brooklyn). The island was named for the Staten-Generaal (“States General”) of the Dutch Republic. Following the acquisition of New Netherland in 1664 by Great Britain, English and Welsh farmers established homes and farms on the island.

The Billopp, or Conference, House in Tottenville was the scene (September 11, 1776) of talks between representatives of the Continental Congress and the British in an unsuccessful attempt at reconciliation during the American Revolution. In 1898 Staten Island, as Richmond, became one of New York City's boroughs. The borough was renamed Staten Island in 1975.

Staten Island is mostly residential but has some manufacturing; services and trade-related employment are particularly important. It is the seat of Wagner College (founded 1883 in Rochester, moved in 1918) and the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York (1955) and a branch campus of St. John's University (Saint John's University), New York. Points of interest include the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, Jacques Marchais Center of Tibetan Art, Richmondtown, Staten Island Botanical Garden, Staten Island Zoo, and High Rock Park Nature Conservation Center. Staten Island is the site of the Fresh Kills, the largest garbage disposal site in New York, but also contains the Green Belt, the largest park in the city. Pop. (2000) 443,728.