Originating as an old Indian village, like most nations in this great country, the area was named New Blazing Star Ferry during Revolutionary times and was a skirmish site of the Battle of Staten Island. For decades dating from 1757, the area was a major part of the route between Philadelphia and New York via the Port Richmond Ferry as well as via present-day Victory Blvd, one of Staten Island’s busiest thoroughfares. When it was first developed in 1816 by Daniel D. Tompkins it was known as the Richmond Turnpike, it was known to be the fastest route from New York to Philadelphia.
In 1873, the American Linoleum Company opened the nation’s first linoleum factory, where Frederick Walton who was the inventor of the flooring material, spent two years setting up the factory. The factory became such an integral part of the community that the neighborhood was renamed Linoleumville in the later part of the nineteenth century. When the plant closed in 1931, the area was overwhelmingly chosen to be renamed Travis after Captain Jacob Travis, whose family resided in the area prior to the construction of the factory.
During the 1980’s, some of Travis’ serenity was disturbed with the construction of commercial development along the island’s west shore, including shopping plazas and a vast office space company known as The Teleport that housed companies moving into the telecommunications space. It was also very close, and perhaps home to, one of the largest waste disposal facilities in the world at one point, the Fresh Kills Landfill. Despite the development and even continued industrial development to this day, Travis manages to retain much of its charm and “sleepy nature” due to its proximity to parks, number of residential land parcels that are larger than the average NYC plot, abundance of dead end streets and alley ways, and the fact that much of the area remains residential with many homes offering a “farm-like” feel.
Another huge aspect of the neighborhood, is the extravagant annual Independence Day Celebration along Victory Boulevard, which has been in effect since its inception in 1911! Even more resounding, is the fact that the Oceanic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, is one of the last volunteer fire houses in the city and one of the oldest in the entire country! 
Travis really is a gem on the island, offering a rich history, quiet surroundings, proximity to major transportation hubs and highways, short drives to shopping and dining, and still manages to remain amongst the most affordable neighborhoods on Staten Island. This coupled with the many new construction projects that have been springing up in the area over the years, really make it an ideal choice for first-time homebuyers and young couples looking for their own slice of home ownership! If you are looking for an affordable location for your new home or business, allow Casandra Properties to help you find your little nook in one of the most historical and quaint areas the island has to offer!
By: Vlad Ashurov
For more information contact us at 718.816.7799 or email Vlad@CasandraProperites.com
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