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!

"House of Buried Treasure," 1939. The earliest part of this house was built circa 1700 by Samuel Grasset, a local tanner. Over the next century, the structure served as a residence, commercial space (shoemaker's shop), and civic facility (an extension was added circa 1790 to serve as a courtroom). In the last two centuries, the building has also served as an inn, real estate office, hardware store, post office, antique store, and home to many. A supposed discovery of a cache of gold coins both in 1860 and again in 1921 resulted in the moniker the "House of Buried Treasure," but neither of these discoveries was documented, and the stories are considered oral tradition/local lore at best. The structure was acquired by the Staten Island Historical Society in 1951 and designated at NYC landmark in 1969. As per the Historic Richmondtown website: "The building is awaiting restoration and is not open to the public."

Treasure House CLIENT: Samuel Grasset ARCHITECT: Unknown DATE: 1700 STYLE: Clapboard The Treasure House is a modest clapboard structure built about 1700, with additions between about 1740 and 1860; a $7,000 cache of British coins was discovered within its walls about 1860–hence the name. It is part of the Richmondtown Restoration effort to restore and celebrate the local heritage of Staten Island.