Tottenville, neighborhood in Staten Island, New York
Tottenville is a neighborhood on the south side of Staten Island and the southernmost point in both the city and state. It is surrounded by water on three sides and contains Victorian-era homes from the 1800s mixed with newer houses, along with open land waiting for future development.
The area was originally called Bentley Manor after an early settler's ship and renamed Tottenville in 1869 to honor the Totten family. The famous Conference House, built by Captain Billop, hosted failed peace negotiations in 1776 during the American Revolution.
The neighborhood took its name in 1869 from the Totten family, who shaped the area's identity. Today it reflects a mix of Italian families, Mexican immigrants, and Coptic Orthodox Christians from Egypt, all contributing to how the community looks and feels.
The neighborhood is best reached by the Staten Island Railway, which terminates here at its southern end, or by buses that serve the area regularly. It is less crowded than other city neighborhoods, with quiet narrow streets that are easy to walk and explore.
Tottenville is the southernmost point of both New York City and New York State, and was once a major hub for oyster harvesters working Raritan Bay. After years of pollution, oyster harvesting resumed in 2005, reviving a lost connection to the natural environment.
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