Liberty Island jurisdictional status of Liberty Island. An unusual clause in the 1664 colonial land grant that outlined New Jersey's borders reads: "westward of Long Island, and Manhitas Island and bounded on the east part by the main sea, and part by Hudson's river" rather than at the river's midpoint, as was common in other colonial charters. When the Province of New Jersey was separated from the Province of New York in 1674 it was argued that Staten Island belonged to the former. Then governor Edmund Andros directed that all islands in the bay that could be circumnavigated within 24 hours were
Grand Island, New York Grand Island, New York Grand Island is a town located in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town's population was 20,374, representing an increase of 9.41% from the 2000 census figure. The town's name derives from the French name "La Grande Île", as Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River and fourth largest in New York state. The phrase "La Grande Île" appears on the town seal. Over its history, Grand Island has served as home to the Attawandaron Nation and been an acquisition of both French and English colonial pursuits.