Why Staten Island is part of NY instead of NJ

In the late 1600's, there was a territorial dispute between NY and NJ over staten island. All the colonies under Dutch rule would fall under English rule - primarily the Duke of York. New Jersey had possession of staten island under Dutch rule, but the Duke of York wanted it under New York.

To settle the dispute, the duke declared that all islands that could be circumnavigated in New York Harbor, would belong to NY. If it took longer, then the island would belong to NJ.

The duke then selected captain Billopp to travel the 35 miles within 24 hours. The captain then proceeded to load his deck with empty barrels, arguing that the extra surface area created by the barrels would help his ship to go faster.

The captain was able to accomplish the run in 23 hours, and so staten island became a part of NY.