Burial Ridge

Burial Ridge is an archaeological site in southern Staten Island containing multiple mounds that hold the remains of over 1000 burials from an early period. The location spans an extensive area and includes skeletal material along with artifacts that document how people lived in this region thousands of years ago.

The burial ground was established between 6000 and 6500 years ago and represents the earliest known human occupation in this region. It stands as one of the most significant archaeological records of early populations on the eastern coast of what is now the United States.

The site reveals how Native Americans honored their dead and what objects held meaning in their burial rituals. These practices show us the beliefs and values of people who lived here thousands of years ago.

Access to the site requires a permit from local authorities to protect the archaeological materials and prevent damage to the burial mounds. Visitors interested in seeing the location should contact the appropriate local government offices beforehand to arrange proper access.

The site contains remains of people who suffered from dental disease and bone conditions that reveal how life in the past affected their bodies. These findings help researchers understand which illnesses and nutritional problems were common in this early period.