The narrator embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a historical tale of a race between New York and New Jersey over the islands between them, with the prize being Staten Island. The story revolves around Captain Christopher Billopp, who supposedly won the race, encircling Staten Island in just over 23 hours. This tale has been passed down through generations, but the narrator is skeptical and sets out to verify the facts.
The narrator delves into various sources, including the New York Times, the Supreme Court records, and the Staten Island Historical Archives, but encounters inconsistencies and contradictions. The narrator also discovers that the race supposedly took place around 1620, but New Jersey only became a separate entity in 1664. This leads to the narrator questioning the credibility of the story.
The narrator also uncovers that there were two men named Christopher Billopp, one a captain and the other a colonel, both living on Billopp Manor, Staten Island. The narrator further discovers that the story has evolved over time, with some versions stating that Billopp already lived on the manor, while others claim it was a prize for his victory.
The narrator concludes that the tale is a tall tale, with the first written records lost to history. The narrator also discovers that the Richmond County Gazette, which supposedly published the first version of the story, is missing some volumes. The narrator attempts to verify this with the New York Public Library, but the librarians deny access to their rare books crypt.
In the end, the narrator is left with the realization that the story is a meme that has evolved over time, with the hooks on reality helping it survive. The narrator concludes that the story is the end of the tale on the southern tip of Staten Island, with nothing else waiting for them but ghosts and graves.
1. The story revolves around a historical dispute between New York and New Jersey over islands between them.
2. New York proposed a race to determine ownership of the islands, with the winner encircling all islands that could be encircled in less than 24 hours.
3. Staten Island was the main prize, described as "the most commodiousest and richest land".
4. New Jersey initially thought it impossible to encircle Staten Island in under a day due to the size of the island and the slowness of boats at the time.
5. Captain Christopher Billopp, a resident of New York, was chosen to participate in the race.
6. Billopp lashed empty barrels to his ship to help catch the wind and make haste, which made the difference and won the race against time.
7. Billopp encircled Staten Island in just over twenty-three hours, earning him historical immortality.
8. New York gifted Billopp an estate on Staten Island, which still stands today and serves as a historical museum and park.
9. The story of the race is a tale that has evolved over centuries, with different versions of the story appearing in various sources.
10. The story is considered a "Lady Godiva" story, a tale that has survived the centuries by being clever and cute.
11. The first written records of the story are lost to history, with the first tall tale teller being Reverend Disosway.
12. The story has been passed down through generations, with different versions of the story appearing in various sources, including the New York Times, Wikipedia, and the Richmond County Gazette.
13. The story of the race is considered a "Ye Old Meme", a tale that has evolved to be cleverer and cuter as it passed along.
14. The story of the race is considered a "hear story", a tale that is based on hearsay and not actual history.
15. The story of the race is considered a "Lady Godiva" story, a tale that has survived the centuries by being clever and cute.
16. The story of the race is considered a "Ye Old Meme", a tale that has evolved to be cleverer and cuter as it passed along.
17. The story of the race is considered a "hear story", a tale that is based on hearsay and not actual history.
18. The story of the race is considered a "Lady Godiva" story, a tale that has survived the centuries by being clever and cute.
19. The story of the race is considered a "Ye Old Meme", a tale that has evolved to be cleverer and cuter as it passed along.
20. The story of the race is considered a "hear story", a tale that is based on hearsay and not actual history.