The Forgotten Borough: Staten Island and the Subway

Staten Island is not connected by the subway to any of the other four boroughs, and its identity has been defined in opposition to the city. This has caused it to diverge culturally, demographically, and politically from the other four boroughs, and Kenneth M. Gold's book "The Forgotten Borough" explores this history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Staten Island, a unique part of New York City, has a distinct identity that sets it apart from the rest of the city. This identity is shaped by its physical and cultural differences, as well as the perception of neglect by city government. Staten Island has long been characterized by its whiter, wealthier, and less populated population, as well as its more politically conservative leanings. Despite numerous attempts over the years, Staten Island remains disconnected from the other four boroughs by the subway system.

In his book "The Forgotten Borough: A History of Staten Island and Its Struggle for a Subway Connection," Kenneth M. Gold argues that the lack of a subway connection has profoundly shaped Staten Island's history and identity. Gold chronicles decades of recurrent efforts to build a rail link, exploring the borough's fraught relationship with New York City as a whole. The book ranges from when Staten Island first contemplated joining the city in the 1890s to the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, highlighting pivotal moments when the construction of a subway appeared possible.

However, the economics and engineering of tunnel construction, the difficulty of uniting Staten Islanders around a single solution, competition from the other boroughs, and resistance from powerful corporations and public authorities all undermined the rapid transit connection. Gold demonstrates that the failure to establish a rail link during this period caused Staten Island to diverge culturally, demographically, and politically from the other four boroughs.

Drawing on extensive archival research, "The Forgotten Borough" offers a fresh perspective on urban history by shedding light on the role. The book shows how transportation infrastructure and politics have played a crucial role in shaping the development and evolution of cities. It emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of infrastructure on communities and the ways in which it can influence social, economic, and political outcomes.

In conclusion, Staten Island's distinct identity is shaped by its physical and cultural differences, as well as its historical struggle for a subway connection. The lack of a subway link has had a profound impact on the borough's history, culture, and politics, causing it to diverge from the other four boroughs. "The Forgotten Borough" provides a valuable insight into the complex relationship between transportation infrastructure and urban history, highlighting the importance of considering the impact of infrastructure on communities and the ways in which it can shape the future of cities.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231208611