Visit the Defender of New York Harbor

This fort, built in the early 1800s is one of the many sites of historic importance in Staten Island and one of the oldest military sites in the US. Fort Wadsworth was constructed to defend the Narrows - the entrance to New York Harbor. When you visit you can explore the labyrinthine tunnels and rooms of the fortification and imagine what it was like to be a soldier there in the 1800s.  Battery Weed, built in 1945, sits right on the water and is a fascinating part of the fort in which to get a guided tour. 

Pop by the visitors' center and see interesting exhibits about the fort's history. Former officers' homes still line Mont Sec avenue and visitors can explore one decorated in period style. This historic site in Staten Island is not only a historic location but also a great vantage point from which to view New York Harbor and New York City. The fort and park are open dawn til dusk - the visitors' center is open Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 4:30pm.

Interactive Staten Island Historic Sites

Visitors to Historic Richmond Town can tour over thirty original historic buildings - homes, commercial buildings and civic buildings - in this 100 acre village stie. Learn how the former inhabitants of this village lived in the 1700s and 1800s as you get a fascinating look inside houses filled with authentic period furnishings. Feel history come alive as you tour one of the oldest homes in all of the US, a 350 year old cottage. 

This is one of the most fun historic sites in Staten Island for kids. Time your visit right and you can join a guided tour where you will follow your guide in period dress from building to building and learn about each exhibit. Tours are themed by day, so check ahead to see whether you'll be learning about early American government, life before electricity, early American cooking, or other exciting tour themes. Admission to this historic site is $8 per adult visitor and the town is open year round from Wednesday through Sunday.