The Staten Island September 11th Memorial

The Staten Island September 11th Memorial sits on the waterfront at Bank Street in Tompkinville, overlooking the Kill van Kull strait toward New Jersey. It stands as one of the most significant remembrance sites in New York City dedicated to the nearly 700 Staten Island residents who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The memorial's location matters deeply. From this spot, residents watched the towers burn across the water. Today, the site offers a space for quiet reflection and a tangible connection to the borough's collective loss.

Why this place matters

Staten Island lost a higher percentage of its population on 9/11 than any other borough in New York City. Many residents worked in Lower Manhattan and commuted daily. The memorial acknowledges this specific tragedy and the lasting impact on a tight-knit community.

The site functions as both a remembrance space and a gathering point. Each year on September 11, ceremonies draw hundreds of visitors. Beyond the annual commemoration, many people come alone to sit with their thoughts, to remember someone specific, or to understand the scale of loss their neighborhood experienced.

Quick facts

• Free admission and open to the public year-round
• Located at Bank Street in Tompkinville, near the waterfront
• Features a reflecting pool and wall with names of the 693 Staten Island victims
• Designed by architect Masayuki Sono
• Dedicated in 2006
• No formal operating hours; accessible during daylight

Getting there

By car, take the West Side Highway north or south depending on your starting point, cross into Staten Island via the Verrazano Bridge, and follow signs toward Tompkinville and the waterfront. Parking is available near the memorial site, though spaces can fill quickly during peak visiting times and especially around September 11.

Public transit options require patience. The Staten Island Ferry runs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to St. George Terminal (about 25 minutes). From there, you can take the S40 or S45 bus toward Tompkinville, though the walk from the nearest bus stop to the memorial is several blocks. Many visitors find driving more practical given the ferry's schedule and the distance from transit hubs.

The layout and experience

The memorial is not an enclosed building or ticketed attraction. It's an outdoor space you move through at your own pace. The centerpiece is a large reflecting pool with black granite walls. The names of all 693 victims are engraved into the walls, arranged by neighborhood or affiliation where applicable. This design choice matters. You're not reading an abstract list. You're seeing the actual names of people, which carries different emotional weight.

The waterfront setting is deliberate. You stand facing across the water toward Manhattan, the same direction Staten Island residents faced on that morning. The site is quiet most days, even though it's accessible to the public without reservation. The absence of crowds makes it different from other major 9/11 memorials in the city.

There are benches for sitting. Some visitors spend ten minutes. Others stay longer. There's no prescribed way to spend time here, which is part of its character.

Main highlights

The reflecting pool is the focal point. Its still surface creates a meditative quality, especially on calm days. The engraved names are readable up close, and many visitors spend time finding and touching specific names. The waterfront views provide context for understanding why this location was chosen and what residents witnessed from this vantage point.

The site's position near other Tompkinville landmarks means you can combine a visit with exploring the neighborhood. The waterfront itself has other points of interest, and the area has restaurants and shops within walking distance.

History and background

Planning for the memorial began shortly after 2001. The project took several years to realize, involving community input, fundraising, and design selection. The memorial was completed and dedicated in 2006. The five-year gap between the attacks and the dedication reflects the complexity of creating a space that would honor the specific experience of Staten Island residents while fitting into the borough's physical landscape.

The memorial was designed with input from families of the victims and community members. This collaborative process shaped its final form, ensuring it reflected what Staten Island wanted to remember and how it wanted to remember it.

Best time to visit

You can visit any day during daylight hours. The weather matters more than the calendar. Clear days offer better views across the water toward Manhattan. Windy days can make the reflecting pool ripple, which some find meaningful and others find distracting.

September 11 brings the largest crowds. If you prefer solitude, visit on other days. Early mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons. Weekday visits typically draw fewer people than weekends.

Winter months can be cold and gray, but the site remains open and accessible. The reflective quality of the granite and water changes with the seasons and lighting conditions.

Photography tips

The waterfront location provides good natural light, especially in morning and late afternoon. The reflecting pool creates visual depth if you photograph from the right angle. The engraved names are easier to capture clearly when the sun isn't directly on the granite surface, which creates glare.

Photographs of the view toward Manhattan from the memorial site provide context for understanding the location's significance. Many photographers focus on details like individual names or the interplay of water and carved stone rather than wide shots.

Be mindful of other visitors. This is a place of remembrance, not a photo opportunity. Respectful photography is fine, but the site isn't designed around sightseeing.

Facilities and preparation

The memorial itself has minimal facilities. There are no restrooms, food vendors, or gift shops on site. Bring water if you plan to stay for an extended period. The nearest amenities are in Tompkinville, a short walk away.

The site is outdoors and exposed to weather. Dress appropriately for the season. The ground is paved and accessible, and there are no significant elevation changes.

Combining with nearby attractions

Tompkinville has restaurants, cafes, and local shops within easy walking distance. If you're in the area, you might spend time exploring the neighborhood. The waterfront itself extends in both directions and has other points of interest.

If you're coming from Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry, you could spend a few hours exploring St. George and the surrounding neighborhoods before heading to the memorial. The ferry ride itself offers views that help contextualize the memorial's location and purpose.

Sample visit plan

If you're visiting the memorial as part of a larger Staten Island trip, plan 30 to 60 minutes at the site itself, depending on how you want to spend the time. Allow time to read names, sit if you wish, and absorb the space. Add 15 to 20 minutes for walking to and from nearby parking or transit.

If you're coming from Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry, the round trip takes about an hour plus your time at the memorial and travel time from the ferry terminal. A full half-day excursion could include the ferry ride, the memorial, a meal in the neighborhood, and exploration of other Tompkinville sites.

Practical tips

• Bring a light jacket or sweater even on warm days, as the waterfront can be breezy
• Visit on a clear day if possible to see across the water toward Manhattan
• Allow time to find specific names if you're looking for someone in particular
• Park nearby and allow extra time if visiting on September 11, when the site is busier and parking is harder to find
• The site is accessible year-round during daylight hours with no advance registration needed
• Bring water if you plan to stay for more than 15 minutes
• Consider visiting early morning or on weekdays if you prefer a quieter experience

FAQ

Is there an admission fee? No. The memorial is free and open to the public.

Can I visit at night? The site is accessible during daylight hours. It's not lit for evening visits, and the waterfront area is less populated after dark.

Are there tours available? Not regularly scheduled tours of the memorial itself, but community organizations sometimes organize commemorative events on September 11. The site is designed for self-guided visits.

How long should I plan to spend? This depends on your purpose. Many visitors spend 20 to 45 minutes. Some spend longer if they're looking for a specific name or seeking quiet reflection.

Is the site accessible for people with mobility challenges? The paved surfaces and lack of significant elevation changes make the site accessible. There are no restrooms at the memorial itself.