Stapleton Staten Island has a rich history. Before it was a town, it was a farm owned by the Vanderbilt family. In 1832 the son of the Vice President of the United States, Minthorne Tompkins partnered with Manhattan merchant, William Staples to purchase land from the Vanderbilts, lay out streets and begin ferry service between the new township to Manhattan.

Stapleton is also the home of the borough’s oldest African-American church – the Union American Methodist Episcopal church that was founded in 1801 and still stands today. 

Because of the many springs in the area, Stapleton was home to several German-American breweries. Nothing goes better with beer than football. Stapleton proved that adage to be true – it even had its own pro football team. The Staten Island Stapletons played for the NFL between 1929 and 1931.

In 1920 the City of New York constructed piers on the waterfront and Stapleton became the first Foreign Trade Zone in the United States. 

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan selected Stapleton to become the homeport for a naval unit led by the USS Iowa as part of his military build-up. The homeport was never completed and a decision was made to move the ships to Virginia.

In 2006 the City announced redevelopment plans for the homeport. 10 years later, Urby Staten Island, a mixed use development that will include 900 residential units opened its doors. Today Urby Staten Island is the center for nightlife on the north shore thanks to unique restaurant concepts that include: Urby Eats, Gringo’s and Surf. 

Other notable businesses contributing to the buzz surrounding Stapleton is Vinum Wine Bar serving Italian Tapas, Amendment 18 Speakeasy, Duzers Local, The Coupe, which was named the “best bar on Staten Island” by New York Magazine, If you haven’t visited Stapleton lately, you are really missing out.