The essays in this volume explore a number of new topics in the religious, economic, social, and cultural history of Staten Island. They seek to expand upon and enrich the traditional story of the Island’s past by opening up new avenues of historical inquiry and raising key questions about the identity of Staten Island and its complex and contested relationship with Greater Focusing on the last two centuries of Staten Island’s history, the essays examine how major institutions, individuals, and industries have shaped, for better or worse, the public image of Staten Island.