Despite several attempts to settle Staten Island (Staaten Eylandt to the Dutch making the efforts) during the 1640s and 1650s, the first permanent settlement on the island was established in 1661. The Dutch, Walloons, and French settlers, joined soon by English newcomers, began to build homes and communities. As Staten Island's population grew so too did its built environment, but for any number of reasons— historical significance, late-coming urbanization, a long-standing agricultural tradition, large plots of land— these structures, which could have easily been razed, remain. Most, if not all, have had additions, many were moved from there original locations, and sadly a few still suffer from serious deterioration and neglect. This list highlights the oldest surviving buildings on Staten Island. Let's explore!

In celebration of the Municipal Art Society's 125th Anniversary, we've compiled a list of landmarks older than MAS.

Between 1954 and 1957, the Municipal Art Society surveyed historic buildings in all five boroughs to create a database of potential landmarks to preserve. Local residents and MAS staff compiled individual sheets devoted to about 200 buildings. Each sheet outlined the building’s date, location, and style and provided a description and a small photograph. This is the list of Staten Island buildings.

Guyon Lake Tysen House, ca. 1975. Originally located on Tysen's Lane between Mill Road and Hylan Boulevard in the Oakwood section of Staten Island, the Lake-Tysen House was moved to Historic Richmond Town in 1962. The gambrel-roof home (meaning it has a symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side) was constructed circa 1740 by Joseph Guyon, a farmer of Huguenot descent. Over the next two centuries the farm house had additions and alterations as it changed hands through bequests and sales. It was home to the Guyon, Lake, and Tysen families. In 1962 the home was given to the historical society by the final Tysen family owners.