Picture this. You are standing at the heart of Castleton Corners. Victory Boulevard and Manor Road meet here. This intersection is more than just roads crossing. It’s the very core of Castleton Corners.
Castleton Corners a Staten Island neighborhood has a rich history. Its name tells a story. “Corners” refers to this very spot. “Castleton” is linked to Cassiltowne in Ireland. Thomas Dongan the colonial governor of New York hailed from there. He was granted land nearby naming it Cassiltowne. The area was once called Centerville. Then it became Castleton Corners in 1872 when a post office opened. The post office closed but reopened in 1949. It is now the main post office for all of Staten Island.
Castleton Corners thrived as a commercial center. The intersection of Victory Boulevard and Manor Road was once bustling. Businesses lined the streets. People came to shop and dine. However the opening of the Staten Island Mall in 1973 changed things. The mall drew customers away from the older commercial district. Castleton Corners was relatively unaffected by the population boom after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge opened in 1964.
Castleton Corners boasts interesting landmarks. The Staten Island Armory stands proudly on Manor Road. Built in 1926 it is a testament to the area’s history. It once housed horses for the New York State Guard. Today it proudly displays military history. Castleton Hill nearby is home to a Moravian church and a Catholic church. These buildings stand as symbols of faith across Victory Boulevard.
The neighborhood is also home to two schools. Public school students attend P.S. 29. St Teresa’s School serves students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The area features several bus routes. The S54 S61 S62 S66 S91 S92 and S93 local buses serve the area. The SIM3 SIM31 SIM32 SIM33 and SIM34 express buses also provide transportation. The S67 route was discontinued in 2010 due to low ridership.
Castleton Corners offers a unique blend of old and new. It has charming older homes. You can find English Tudors and colonial-style houses. A more exclusive area known as Royal Oak exists here. It’s a high-end luxury home market. The area holds a special place in Staten Island’s history. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. It is a corner of Staten Island worth exploring. So take a moment. Breathe in the atmosphere of Castleton Corners. You are in a place steeped in history. A place that’s still thriving today.