New York Icons: The Bronx

Fuhgeddaboudit.

History

Called Rananchqua by the native Siwanoy band of Lenape, while other Native Americans knew the Bronx as Keskeskeck.

In 1639, Jonas Bronck arrived in New Netherland and was the first European settler with a farm named “Emmaus” (close to current-day Willis Avenue and 132nd Street in Mott Haven). He leased land from the Dutch West India Company north of the Dutch settlement of New Haarlem (in Manhattan), and bought additional tracts from the local tribes — accumulating 500 acres, which became known as “Bronck’s Land” or “Bronck’s River.” Despite Bronck having lived there for only four years, the area was known as “Broncksland” through the end of the 17th century. Use of the definitive article (i.e. “The Bronx” instead of just “Bronx”) stems from being named after the river; and the phrase “visiting the Broncks.”

Originally part of Westchester County and one of the twelve original counties of the English Province of New York. In 1846, town of West Farms established. In 1855, town of Morrisania established (and the area became known as the Manor of Morrisania). In 1873, town of Kingsbridge established. In 1874, West Bronx annexed to New York City; In 1985, East Bronx annexed.

In 1904, subway expansion connected to Manhattan. In 1909, the 5.2-mile 180-foot (55m) wide Grand Concourse completed. In 1914, Bronx County separated from New York County. In 1918, hosted the World’s Fair. In 1919, contained 63 piano factories. From 1900 to 1929, population grew sixfold to 1.3 million. By 1937, 44% Jewish (currently 11%). From 1950 to 1985, suffered a significant urban decay (construction of Co-op City and the Cross Bronx Expressway, redlining). In 1959, Häagen-Dazs founded in South Bronx (Danish-sounding name to give sophistication)! In 1973, the “Birth of Hip Hop” and DJing where DJ Kool Herc introduced hip hop “breaks” at a party.

Ladies and gentlemen, The Bronx is burning.

In the 1970s, wave of arson by landlords to claim insurance money. The phrase “Ladies and gentlemen, The Bronx is burning” was liberally paraphrased from commentary during the 1977 baseball World Series at Yankee Stadium, where footage of a large fire was shown. Neither announcer spoke that phrase.

About

Bronxites live in New York’s fourth-largest (42 square miles) area, fourth-highest population (nearly 1.5 million), and third-most densely populated county in the US (if each borough was a city, it would be the eighth-largest). The only NY borough predominantly on the mainland and is divided into East and West by the Bronx River and Jerome Avenue.

Almost 25% green open space (e.g. parks), it also includes several small islands (such as City, Hart and Rikers). Poorest congressional district in the US. The Bronx River is the only fresh water river in New York City. The South Bronx pivotal to the rise of hip hop (1970s by DJ Kool Herc), rap (1970s by DJ Kool Herc, speaking over a beat known as “Jamaican toasting”), breakdancing, disc jockeying, artists (Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer) and graffiti. The Bronx is referred to in hip-hop slang as “The Boogie Down Bronx” or just “The Boogie Down.”

Notable persons born or lived in The Bronx include W.E.B. Du Bois, Jordan L. Mott (inventor, established Mott Haven), Henry Heimlich, Bill Finger (long-uncredited Batman co-creator, 192nd St named after), Neil deGrasse Tyson, Milton Glaser (designer of the “I ❤️ NY” logo), Stanley Kubrick, Will Eisner, Stan Lee, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Alan Alda, Danny Aiello, James Caan, George Carlin, Tony Curtis, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Linda Lovelace, Al Pacino, Ron Perlman, Regis Philbin, Carl Reiner, George Romero, Wesley Snipes, Queen Latifah, Cardi B, Sean Combs, Grandmaster Flash, Billy Joel, Robert Moog, Tito Puente, Rahzel, Phil Spector, Regina Spektor, Swizz Beatz, Steven Tylser, Luther Vandross, Theodore Roosevelt, JFK, Colin Powell, Leon Trotsky, Nate Archibald, Cus D’Amato, Lou Gehrig, Jake LaMotta, Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Kemba Walker, Fred DeLuca (Subway founder), Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, the founders of Häagen-Dazs, David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam” serial killer), John Gotti (crime boss), Sidney Gottlieb (CIA Project MKUltra mind control program), Morton Sobell (Russian spy), Donald Trump’s father, and Desus and Mero.

Annual events include “Bronx Week” (May), which includes the “Bronx Ball”, parade, andinductions into the “Bronx Walk of Fame.” The Arthur Avenue “Little Italy” neighborhood holds an annual Autumn Ferragosto Festival*. Hunts Point hosts an annual Fish Parade and Summer Festival* at the start of summer. Edgewater Park hosts an annual “Ragamuffin” children’s walk in November. Albanian Independence Day is also observed.

Featured in the films A Bronx Tale, Summer of Sam, I Like It Like That, The Warriors and novels Bonfire of the Vanities and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three — following the 1974 movie adaptation the New York City Transit Authority banned any train leaving this station at 1:23 (am or pm); eventually rescinded but frequently maintained due to superstition!

* Note: An asterisk denotes a place I haven’t visited properly yet.

Map

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage* (1787)

Former home of the American writer and a short distance from its original location. Poe wrote Annabel Lee, Ulalume and The Literati of New York City while at the cottage.

In 1847, Poe’s wife died in the house from tuberculosis. In 1849, Poe’s daughter moved out shortly after his death in Baltimore. In 1913, house moved after land owners refused visitor access to the cottage. In 1922, restoration to original condition. During the 1970s, frequently vandalized.

Wave Hill* (1843)

28-acre (11 ha) estate containing Wave Hill House (1843), Glyndor House (1927, original 1888 house burned down), botanical garden (127 bird species), Perkins Visitor Center (originally a garage), Armor Hall (exhibits, concerts), and views of the New Jersey Palisades. Known as Perkins Garden until 1987. In 1910, George Perkins (partner of J.P. Morgan) added an underground building which included a bowling alley.

Notable guests over the years include Thomas Henry Huxley, Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Arturo Toscanini (Italian conductor), chief members of the British Delegation to the United Nations. In 1960, at the suggestion of Robert Moses the property was given to the city.

Fort Schuyler* (1856)

Considered one of the finest examples of early 19th century fortifications and named after Major General Philip Schuyler of the Continental Army. Located on Throggs Neck, the southeastern tip of the Bronx.

Not garrisoned until 1861, at its peak it contained 312 guns and could accommodate 1,250 men. During the Civil War, mobilization and transportation hub, hospital, and prison for 500 prisoners of war. Improvements in the late 19th century were soon superseded by the Coast Defenses of Long Island Sound. In 1917, all the 5-inch guns were removed and set to France; never returned. In 1934, the fort was disarmed and turned over to the state.

Contains the SUNY Maritime College (since 1934, founded 1874), which was one of the original 29 State University of New York founding schools. In 1986, Maritime Industry Museum opened. Also features the Stephen B. Luce Library.

Woodlawn Cemetery* (1863)

One of the largest (over 400 acres) cemeteries in the city, with bodies relocated from a number of other (more densely-populated) cemeteries. Contains seven Commonwealth war graves from the World Wars. Numerous interred persons include Irving Berlin, Robert Moses, F.W. Woolworth, Herman Melville, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Celia Cruz and Rowland Hussey Macy. Featured in the film Once Upon a Time in America as “Riverdale Cemetery.”

In 2018, Professional chainsaw carver Jon Vincent carved a number of sculptures from dead trees. Runs Illuminated Mausoleum Moonlight Tours (Tiffany windows, Guastavino vaults).

Pelham Bay Park (1888)

Largest (2,772 acres, over 3x the size of Central Park) public park in the city. Popular for bird-watching and saltwater fishing.

In 1639, purchased by the Dutch West India Company, who named it Vreedelandt (”land of freedom”). Originally part of Anne Hutchinson’s short-lived (destroyed in 1643 by a Siwanoy attack) dissident colony after being banished from the Massachusetts colony. In 1654 Thomas Pell purchased 50,000 acres from the Siwanoy that became known as Pelham Manor after Charles II’s 1666 charter. During the American Revolutionary War, a buffer between British-held New York City and rebel-held Westchester, serving as the site of the Battle of Pell’s Point, where Massachusetts militia hiding behind stone walls (still visible at one of the park’s golf courses) stopped a British advance.

In 1906, the Treaty Oak (where it is claimed a treaty was signed between Thomas Pell and Chief Wampage to sell all land east of the Bronx River) was destroyed by lightning; replaced with an elm in 1915. In 1911, a bronze tablet installed at Split Rock in honor of Anne Hutchinson; stolen in 1914. Orchard Beach, one of the city’s most popular, was created through the efforts of Robert Moses in the 1930s.

Features two golf courses, nature trails, equestrian center, monuments (1923 American Boy), Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary (Split Rock, Goose Island), Bronx Victory Column (1933, 70-foot column column with bronze statue of Winged Victory), and Bartow-Pell Mansion* (1836, Aaron Burr desk, the only original Lannuier bed).

Glover’s Rock has a bronze plaque commemorating the Battle of Bell’s Point, however the rock was not involved in the battle.

Comprises of Hart Island, Hunter Island (briefly Henderson’s Island, 1811 mansion that once housed art by Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck and da Vinci was destroyed in 1937), Orchard Beach* (the only Bronx beach, called the “Bronx Riviera”), Rodman’s Neck (peninsula, WWI training location, NYPD firing range), Tallapoosa Point (named after the Tallpoosa Club that leased it during the summer, dump from 1963 to 1968), Turtle Cove (golf center, batting cage), Twin Islands (tennis court built in 1899) and Chimney Sweeps Islands.

Hart Island

Purchased by Thomas Pell in 1654. By the early 19th century. Bouts of bare-knuckle boxing held on the island could draw thousands of spectators.

In 1864, a US Colored Troops training ground, Civil War prison camp (over 3,000 soldiers), psychiatric institution, tuberculosis sanatorium, quarantine station (yellow fever), homeless shelter, boys’ reformatory, jail, drug rehabilitation center, Phoenix House community settlement (1967), and (Nike Ajax) missile defense during the Cold War!

In 1924, a proposed “Negro Coney Island” amusement park was condemned during construction (for racial reasons and proximity to the jail). In 1948, a tall white peace monument was erected by prison inmates at the top of “Cemetery Hill.” In 1977, regular ferry services ceased. In 1985, the first NYC pediatric AIDS victim is buried in the only single grave on the island with a marker reading “SC (Special Child) B1 (Baby 1).”

Currently the largest public cemetery (i.e. potter’s field) and mass-graves in the US, where over 1 million unclaimed corpses are buried (by Rikers inmates for 50 cents an hour)! The dead are buried in trenches, children (approximately half the current burials) in coffins stacked in groups of 100. Strict visitation rules. Most recently used for unclaimed Coronavirus victims.

City Island

Originally inhabited by the Siwanoy. In 1642, Englishwoman Anne Hutchinson (seeking religious freedom) settled in an area nearby. In 1654, bought by Thomas Pell. After changing hands several times, in 1761 the island (at that time known as Minefer’s Island), was bought by Benjamin Palmer with the plan of developing it into a port, and even obtained the “Palmer Grant” from the British Crown for ownership around the perimeter of the island — which has been upheld in the court. He also changed the name to City Island. Those born on the island are called “clamdiggers,” while residents from elsewhere are known as “musselsucker.”

Population of around 4,500 and known for over 30 seafood restaurants, Nautical Museum, and the Samuel Pell Mansion. Belden Point named after a developer who opened an amusement park and resort in 1887. In the early part of the 20th century, recreation location for business tycoons including Vincent Astor, J.P. Morgan and William Randolph Hearst. It 1895, narrowly voted to become a part of New York City in exchange for a new bridge to the mainland. In 1898, consolidated as part of the Bronx. From 1935 to 1980, a dozen America’s Cup yachts were built on the island and the main street is still flanked by dry docks. In 1960, the last New York community to get dial telephone.

Three yacht clubs and home to the Columbia University sailing team, many America’s Cup winners were built on the island. Featured in the films City Island, Long Day’s Journey into Night, Awakenings, Love Is All There Is, A Bronx Tale, Don’t Say A Word, The Royal Tenenbaums, Solitary Man and An Invisible Sign on My Own. Also featured in Law & Order episodes.

Rikers Island

One of the world’s largest (originally 100 acres, but current over 400 acres due to convict labor) correctional institutions and mental institutions (technically a penal colony, not prison), comprising of ten jails for prisoners serving one year or less. Averages around 10,000 prisoners. Notorious for a “culture of abuse.” Solitary confinement is referred to as “Bing”, with inmates kept there known as “Bing monsters.” Costs approximately $209,000 per person per year. Closing down by 2026. Part of the Bronx, but bridge access is from Queens (and uses a Queens zip code).

Island named after Abraham Rycken who purchased it in 1664. Sold to the city in 1884. Military training ground during the Civil War. In 1932, jail opened to replace the jail on Welfare Island (now Roosevelt Island). In 1939, 200 acres stripped from the island to help fill in LaGuardia Airport. Dumping ground until 1939, when Robert Moses deferred dumping to Fresh Kills on Staten Island to clean up the backdrop for the 1939 World’s Fair!

In 1957, a plane crashed into Rikers killing 20 and injuring 84 (30 inmates who assisted the rescue received sentence reductions). From 1965 to 1981, a Salvador Dali drawing (an apology for not attending a talk) hung in the dining room; it was stolen in 2003 and replaced with a fake (four employees were arrested but the drawing was never recovered)! In the 1990s, an 800-bed barge (“The Boat”) — the only vessel of its type in the world — was added to accommodate extra inmates; an additional two 1950s-era Staten Island Ferry boats were converted to house 162 inmates each.

In 2001 and 2007, settlements for illegal strip-searches on misdemeanor prisoners. In 2008, a female prisoner was raped with a dildo while in a private cell. In 2002, an inmate died after being refused medical treatment after swallowing a packet of powdered detergent (supervisor sentenced to five years). In 2013, an inmate was denied medication and found after 38 days naked, unresponsive, and covered in feces. In 2014, an homeless veteran inmate was found dead from overexposure to heat. In 2014, an inmate died from a seizure after being denied medication. In 2019, the city settled a civil lawsuit after the 2015 suicide of a minor who was held for two years in solitary confinement while awaiting trail (for stealing a backpack); the subject of a letter by President Obama and documentary by Jay-Z.

Notable prisoners include Al Capone, John Wayne Gacy (serial killer), Sid Vicious, David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”), Mark Chapman (murdered John Lennon), Tupac, Foxy Brown, Lil Wayne, Sonny Rollins, DMX, Dominique Strauss-Kahn (former IMF director), Jayson Williams (NBA player), Joe Halderman (extortion of David Letterman) and Harvey Weinstein.

Van Cortlandt Park (1888)

Third-largest (1,146-acre) park in the city named after the Van Cortlandt family that purchased the land around 1691.

Facilities include a golf course (oldest in the US), Olympic-sized pool, baseball, basketball, cricket (10 of 19 borough fields), cross-country running, football, horseback riding, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, softball, swimming, tennis, shuffleboard, track and field, five major hiking trails, the largest freshwater lake in the Bronx, old-growth forests, nursery (growing about 200k plants each year), Parade Ground, Can Cortlandt Stadium, and the Van Cortlandt House Museum* (1748) — the oldest surviving building in the Bronx.

In 1646, Adriaen van der Donck purchased the land from the Dutch West India Company (he also paid the Indian chief Tacharew as a friendly gesture) and named the land “Colen Donck” where he built a house; upon his death in 1655 the Peach War forced his widow to flee. During the American Revolution, the land was by both the Loyalists and Patriots as the family wanted to remain neutral — and used by Marquis de Lafayette and George Washington, who made it his headquarters after the defeat in the Battle of Long Island. In 1776, Augustus Van Cortlandt hid city records under Vault Hill to protect them during the war. In 1778, Queen’s Rangers defeated the Stockbridge militia at “Indian Field” (233rd Street). In 1781, Washington lit campfires outside the house to deceive the British into thinking troops were still on the grounds. In 1783, Washington and Clinton stopped at the house before heading to Manhattan after the Treaty of Paris.

In 1888, sold to the city. In 1906, a stone memorial was placed at Indian Field with a plaque misspelling the name of the Indian chief as “Abraham Nim[n]ham.” In 1909, the first (and only city) professional Canadian football game. During World War I, the parade ground was used to train soldiers. In the 1930s, Robert Moses parkways fragmented the park into six pieces and the last remaining New York freshwater marsh was drained (causing large-scale ecological disruption). In 1938, the Golden Gate International Exposition gave a 4.5-foot walnut tree to New York, which was planted outside the house. Vault Hill, the family burial ground, still exists. In 1942, six mothers were issued court summonses for letting their children dig in the park. In 1947, two pilots where fined for unauthorized landings! Created in 1949, The Memorial Grove honors Bronxites who served in World War II and the Korean War with a tree and bronze plaque for each soldier. In 1961, thousands of fish died due to pollution. During the 1960s, the golf course was used as a ski slope! By 1975, the park had fallen into disrepair. In 2002, The Rolling Stones commenced their Licks Tour by boarding a blimp at the Parade Ground!

Featured in the novel The Warriors (and one of the gangs in the film is named The Van Cortlandt Rangers) and the play, Marisol.

New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) (1891)

250-acre (100 ha) site containing over one million living plants, the world’s largest collections of botany-related texts, and one of the world’s largest plant research and conservation programs. Over one million people visit annually.

For over a century after its opening, refused to charge admission. In 1975, closed on weekdays due to budget cuts. In 1988, museum building renovation. In the early 1990s, a wetland was unintentionally created due to a broken sewer!

Highlights include s 1890s-vintage Haupt Conservatory, Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, Lorillard Snuff Mill (1840, oldest existing tobacco manufacturing building in the US), alpine rock garden, herb Garden, old-growth forest (largest existing pre-colonial remnant), conservatory (1902), propagation center, 550,000-volume research library, Fountain of Life (1905), and a herbarium of 7.2 to 7.8 million botanical specimens dating back more than three centuries — amongst the largest in the world. Annual events include the Holiday Train Show.

Bronx Zoo (1899)

One of the largest (265 acres) zoos in the US houses more than 4,000 animals from 650 species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Sometimes called the Bronx Zoological Park or Bronx Zoological Gardens, it averages over 2 million visitors per year.

The Zoo Center was built in 1908 and originally the Elephant House, holding all three species (along with various rhinos, hippopotamus, camel, and one of the few Sumatran rhinos until 2005) over the years. Currently holds Kimono dragons, giant tortoises, and white rhinos. The Rainey Memorial Gates (1934) were designed by sculptor Paul Manship as a memorial to big game hunter Paul James Rainey — the lion is modeled after Sultan, a Barbary lion gifted to the zoo in 1903. The Rockefeller Fountain (1872) was once a famous landmark in Italy before being purchased by William Rockefeller in 1902 (for $18,000 today) and transported.

Areas include Astor Court (old section of the zoo, New York Zoological Society’s seal was designed by famed wildlife-artist Charles R. Knight, sea lion pool, former Lion House), African Plains (1941, lion breeding, hybrid giraffes, Carter Giraffee Building), Baboon Reserve (1990, two-acres, African village-style cafe), Big Bears (four bears), Himalayan Highlands (1986, over 70 snow leopards born at the zoo), Madagascar! (2008, former 1903 Lion House, hissing cockroaches that can be named for $10 on Valentines Day!), Mouse House (rodents), Aquatic Bird House (1964, on foundation of the original zoo house, one of three North American zoos breeding endangered stalks, kiwi), Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary (1997, 65,000-cubit-foot aviary designed to resemble the Patagonian cost), Tiger Mountain (2003, three-acres, 10,000 gallon pool, successful tiger breeding program ), World of Birds (1972, indoor bird house and aviaries, emus, maleos), World of Reptiles (1899, first curator kept 45 snakes in his attic before being hired!, saved spray toads from extinction), Pheasant Aviary (pheasants), Birds of Prey (raptors), Bison Range (since opening, initially to breed endangered Plains bison), Northern Ponds (waterfowl) and Mitsubishi Riverwalk (2004 path along the Bronx River).

Paid attractions include the Bug Carousel (2005, insects as seats), Butterfly Garden (1996, 170-foot maze, over 1,000 butterflies), Children’s Zoo (1981, reopened 2015), Congo Gorilla Forest (1999, 6.5-acres, one of the largest breeding groups of lowland gorillas in North America), JungleWorld (1985, indoor tropical jungle built to emphasize amount of rainforest lost every minute), Wild Asia Monorail (1977, 1.6 mile ride through 40 acres), Nature Trek (2017, twelve rope bridges and obstacle course), Treetop Adventure (2017, seven rope courses, 400-foot zipline along the Bronx River) and Dinosaur Safari (animatronic dinosaurs).

In 1902, a jaguar escaped. In 1907, first US zoo to exhibit snow leopards. In 1913, fourteen bison transported to the Montana National Bison Range. In 1916, built the world’s first animal hospital within a zoo. In 1924, first North American zoo to display aardvarks. In 1926, co-first zoo to exhibit shoebills. In 1926, first Komodo dragons in the US. In 1937, first in North America to exhibit okapi. In 1941, first US zoo to allow visitors to view predators in a naturalistic cage-free setting. In 1960, first zoo in the world to keep Jame’s flamingos.

In 1990, held one of three Sumatran rhinos in North America. In 1990, zoo hired a sharpshooter to kill 19 Canada geese to cull the numbers. In 1995, the original 1899 De Jur Aviary collapsed during a snowstorm (30 birds escaped) and was replaced by the Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary. In 1969, world’s first major exhibit designed specifically to introduce the public to nocturnal animals (closed 2009). In 1981, successful implant of a gaur embryo in an attempt to clone the species. In 1985, the first fatality when a zookeeper was killed by two tigers. In 1999, the last two proboscis monkey in the US were sent to the Singapore Zoo.

In 2001, a man climbed the 20-foot gorilla enclosure wall and stripped down to his boxers to be “one with the gorillas!” In 2004, a man stripped naked and jumped into the caiman enclosure. In 2005, first successful artificial insemination of an Indian rhino (using 4-year-old sperm). In 2007, successfully reintroduced Chinese alligators into the wild. In 2007, otters attacked and drowned a langur in full view of visitors — who posted video to Youtube. In 2008, high winds derailed a Skyfari gondola car trapping 36 passengers for five hours; exhibit closed the following year. From 2008, annual Run for the Wild 5k run (through the zoo) started.

In 2010, winning names from a lion cub naming contest were Shani, Nala, and Adamma; 2013 cubs named Thulani, Ime, Bahata, and Amara. In 2011, an Egyptian cobra escaped from its enclosure and found six days later — the zoo named the snake MIA (Missing In Action)! In 2012, Monkey House closed after 111 years in operation. In 2012, a man jumped off the monorail and over the 16-foot fence into the tiger exhibit where he petted the 400-pound tiger before being mauled and rescued!

Accused of mistreating an elephant named Happy by keeping her separated from the other elephants. In 1906, major controversy when Ota Benga, a Mbuti pygmy, was brought to and displayed at the zoo! He was allowed to roam the grounds and was released shortly after; he committed suicide at age 32.

One of just seven zoos outside Australia (and one of two in the US) to hold the now-extinct Tasmania tiger (died 1919).

Lorelei Fountain* (1899)

The Heinrich Heine Memorial is dedicated to the memory of the German poet. Originally to be placed in Heine’s hometown of Düsseldorf on his 100th birthday (1897), antisemitism of the German Empire at the time delayed construction and prevented export. A plan to install it at the Grand Army Plaza entrance of Central Park failed.

Also considered an indecent “pornographic spectacle,” it was the subject of frequent vandalism — even while protected by police. In 1900, the mermaids’ arms were cut off. Around the 1960s, the female heads were cut off. In the 1970s, considered the most vandalized statue in New York! In 1999, restored and reopened three blocks from its original location.

The Hall of Fame for Great Americans* (1900)

The first hall of fame in the US is an outdoor sculpture gallery features 98 (with room for 102) bronze busts of a number of prominent Americans and is located on the grounds of Bronx Community College.

A 630-foot stone colonnade half-encircles the university library, which were both designed by architect Stanford White. The library stands on the site occupied by the British army in 1776 after a successful attack on Fort Washington. In 1973, NYU was forced to sell the campus to the Bronx Community College. In 2017, busts of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were ordered to be removed.

To be eligible for nomination a person must be native born or naturalized (since 1914), been dead for 25 years, and must have made a major contribution to the nation. Each bronze bust must have been made specifically for The Hall of Fame and must not be duplicated within 50 years of its execution. Largely forgotten, it took 19 years to raise the $25,000 needed to commission the bust of FDR!

American Bank Note Company Printing Plant* (1911)

“The Penny Factory” printed/minted currency (for Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Exuador, Haiti and Cuba), bonds, lottery tickets, food stamps, and stamps. In the 1960s, printed half the securities for the NYSE. Said to have employed the world’s most skilled engravers, there was even a counterfeiter job (behind locked doors) whose job was to forge currency! In 1977, bombed along with the FBI; the next day a local resident made a fake threat with a toy hand grenade.

Other tenants include the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, wine cellar, homeless shelter, artist lofts, John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School, and a startup incubator.

Mike’s Deli

Arthur Avenue (1912)

Dating back to the 1850s, “Little Italy” of the Bronx with delis, bakeries, cafes, grocers and restaurants. Named after President Arthur. The Arthur Avenue Retail Market opened in 1940 as a giant food hall with over 150 stalls (in an effort to get pushcarts off the roads). Once connected to the rest of the city via the Third Avenue elevated, pulled down in 1973 isolating the neighborhood.

The rock group Dion and the Belmonts is named after a local street. Joe Pesci began his acting career after being discovered by Robert De Niro at a local neighborhood restaurant, where Pesci worked.

Featured in the films Marty, The Incident, A Bronx Tale (De Niro’s directing debut, although largely filmed in Queens), The Seven-Ups; television shows Third Watch, Sopranos (Mario’s Restaurant); novels (Underworld); and music videos (Lady Gaga’s Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)).

• Antonio’s Trattoria (2006)
• Artuso Pastry Shop (1946). Giant cannoli. Tripled in size in 1974 and in 1996 the street on the shop’s corner was officially renamed Vincent F. Artuso, Sr. Way.
• Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles* (1935)
• Bronx Beer Hall. Located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market.
• Casa Della Mozzarella (1993)
• Dominick’s (1962)
• Egidio Pastry Shop* (1912)
• Mario’s* (1919). In 1971, turned down filming a scene from The Godfather as they didn’t want the restaurant to be associated with murder and the mob!
• Mike’s Deli (1940). Celebrity customers include Hillary Clinton, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. Located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market.
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church* (1917). First church in the neighborhood to offer masses in Italian. Started in a storefront on the same block in 1906.
• Teitel Brothers* (1915)
• Tino’s Deli
• Vincent’s Meat Market* (1954)
• Zero Otto Nove (2000)

Kingsbridge Armory* (1917)

Possibly the largest (almost the entire 5-acre block) armory in the world that has been used for military (by the Eighth Regiment “Washington Greys” who were present at Washington’s inauguration), exhibitions (dog and boat shows), boxing matches, films (I Am Legend), music videos (Just Tonight by The Pretty Reckless) and used during emergencies (United Nations meeting place following World War II, Hurricane Sandy, Covid-19).

Features a 180,000-square-foot drill hall, 800-seat auditorium, 100-foot ceilings, two cellar levels, lecture halls, office wing, and fitness rooms — including a basketball court and 400-foot shooting range!

Active during World War II. During the 1980s, used as a homeless shelter. In 1996, the military transferred ownership to the city. In 2013, proposal to convert into the world’s largest indoor ice center. An empty moat runs across the front entrance of the building and a single National Guard unit continues to use an annex in the rear.

Starlight Park* (1920)

Site of Exposition Park — an amusement park built for the wildly unsuccessful (hosted during World War I, only Brazil exhibited!) 1918 World’s Fair — the Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries. Featured amusement rides (wooden roller coaster, Ferris wheel), convention center, performance venue (“monkey cabaret,” Forest Inn), world’s largest (300 by 350 foot) saltwater pool with wave machine, small beach (sand from Rockaway), 4,500-person bathing pavilion, 65-foot artificial waterfall, rideable miniature railway, sporting arena (15,000 seat Bronx Coliseum, New York Giants soccer team), sporting fields, and USS Holland submarine (1888, first Navy sub).

In 1922, a rider stood up on the roller coaster and was killed. In 1922, a lightning strike burned down several of the wooden structures. In 1925, a mass robbery stole from over 200 people using the pool. In 1926, radio station WBNX started broadcasting from the Coliseum. In 1926, a boxer died during a fight. In 1930, a circus performer died after falling 40 feet from a high wire. In 1932, much of the park was destroyed in a fire; with the remaining attractions operating until 1946. In 1947, yet another fire destroyed the bathing pavilion and the park was condemned! Also used by the Army and as a bus depot.

Converted to a park in the 1950s that currently spans 13 acres containing sporting fields, canoe launch (seasonal) and headquarters for the Bronx River Alliance.

Yankee Stadium (1923, demolished 2010)

“The House That Ruth Built” or “The Cathedral of Baseball” was the original Yankees stadium from 1923 to 1973 and 1976 to 2008. Also home to the New York Giants from 1956 to 1974. Currently a park named Heritage Field.

Traditions of the stadium include the Hammond Organ (Take me out to the ball game during the seventh-inning stretch), playing Sinatra’s New York, New York after every win, the “Bronx cheer” (loud flatulent-like sound of disapproval), and the Section 39 “Bleacher Creatures” led by Bald Vinny — who would chant the names of every player in the defensive lineup (except pitcher and catcher) until that player acknowledged with a wave or point, after which they would move to the next player. “The Bat” — a 138-foot (42 m) tall exhaust pipe in the shape of a baseball bat —was moved to outside the Metro North Station.

Held the record for most (161) postseason games, hosting 37 of 83 World Series (100 World Series games) — with the Yankees winning 26 of them! Notable games include all three Yankee perfect games (1956, 1998, 1999), seven no-hitters, single-season home run records (Ruth in 1927, Maris in 1961), home run records (Mantle 500th, A-Rod 500th), triple home runs by Reggie Jackson (1977 World Series), Pine Tar Incident (1983), and a Jeter fly ball-turned-home-run interefered by fan (1996).

In 1929, Babe Ruth hit the ballpark’s first home run on its opening day. In 1939, legendary farewell speech during “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day” where, facing death from ALS, he humbly thanked his fans and colleagues for making him “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” In 1939, the first US televised boxing match. In 2001, President George Bush threw the first pitch of World Series game 3 following the 9/11 attacks. In 2006, the only wedding at home plate (of blind sportswriter Ed Lucas).

For the final game in 2008, fans were allowed to walk around the field and many former players (Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Bernie Williams, Paul O’Neill, Willie Randolph, Roy White, Chris Chambliss) took their positions on the field as their names were announced. Julia Ruth Stevens, daughter of Babe Ruth, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Other notable sporting events include college football, boxing (1938 Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling, a favorite of Hitler; 1952 Sugar Ray Robinson vs Maxim, 104°F heat exhaustion; 1976 Ali vs Norton), NFL games (1958 Championship “The Greatest Game Ever Played”), soccer (1952 Tottenham vs Man U, 1953 England vs US, 1966 Santos vs Inter, 1968 Santos vs Napoli, 1968 Real Madrid vs New York, 1969 Barcelona vs Juventus, 1976 England vs Italy), and two NHL games.

Other events included concerts (1990 Billy Joel, 1992 U2, 1994 Pink Floyd), Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions (1958 record attendance with 123,707 — and another 100,000 outside!), evangelist Billy Graham (1957, 100,000 people), Nelson Mandela rally (1990), 9/11 memorial service, and three Papal Masses (1965 Paul VI, 1979 John Paul II, 2008 Benedict XVI).

Yankee Tavern* (1923)

Oldest bar in the Bronx. Main sign incorrectly states “Since 1928”! Opened along with Yankee Stadium and customers included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra and Joe Di Maggio. In 2009, the current owner was charged with a $1 million tax evasion.

Johnny’s Reef (1950)

The 19th century wooden houses once the homes of sea captains and yachtsmen. Seasonal open-air seafood cafeteria with an old-fashioned diner feel. All seafood can be ordered fried or steamed.

Louie & Ernie’s Pizza* (1959)

Started in 1947 in Harlem before relocating to current location in The Bronx.

Hunts Point Cooperative Market* (1962)

24/7 wholesale food market and largest (40 acres, 700,000-square-feet refrigerated) food distribution center of its kind in the world — with annual revenue exceeding $2 billion. Contains the Fulton Fish Market (established 1822 as one of the the city’s earliest open-air fish markets, associated with the Mafia, relocated 2005, second in size only to the Tsukji fish market in Tokyo) and supplies 50% of New York’s meat supply.

Zeppieri & Sons* (1968)

Began as a two person operation producing only “famous” S-rolls to the delicious Pane di Casa. The founder and all three of his sons married sales girls!

Co-op City* (1973)

Originally called RiverBay and short for Cooperative City, the “city within a city” is the largest housing cooperative in the world with over 43,000 residents. Former marshland (Rattlesnake Creek) then amusement park called Freedomland U.S.A. from 1960 to 1964 (a small portion of the northeast corner remains zoned for “amusement parks”). Built on landfill with 50,000 pilings extending down to the bedrock; the foundation sinks each year creating cracks!

Featuring eight parking garages, three shopping centers, a 25-acre educational park, high school, two middle schools, three grade schools (one with planetarium), power plant, 4-story air conditioning generator, firehouse, over 40 offices, at least 15 houses of worship, six nursery schools and day care centers, four basketball courts and five baseball diamonds. The adjacent Bay Plaza Shopping Center has a 13-screen multiplex movie theater, department stores, and a supermarket. Streets are named after notable historical personalities. In 2019, a wind turbine toppled down (no injuries).

Bronx Museum of the Arts (1983, founded 1971)

BxMA or simply the Bronx Museum has a collection of more than 800 items focusing on American contemporary and 20th-century works. Originally housed in the Bronx County Courthouse — with additional galleries in Co-op City, Bedford Park and Beth Abraham Hospital.

In 1983, moved to the current location in the former Young Israel Synagogue (1961). In 1987, gained attention for a career retrospective of Romare Bearden and an exhibition on computer-generated art. In 1988, $4 million expansion. In 2006, $19 million expansion that doubled the museum’s size. In 2008, a 3,000-square-foot arts center was added. From 2012, all entry is free.

New York Expo Center (1994)

10-acre convention center in a the former New York Organic Fertilizer Company, which closed in 2011 due to complaints about the smell! Reopened as an event space in 2017. Temporary hospital during the 2020 pandemic.

Hosted numerous parties such as Robot Heart, Teksupport, Elements, Fearhouse (Travis Scott), Greatest Day Ever and BLK Market. Other events include NYPD Smokers (boxing) and Zamora Rodeo,

Barretto Point Park* (2006)

Named after a 19th-century merchant who lived in the area. Formerly an asphalt plant and land fill. Features Tiffany Street Pier, which was rebuilt in 1995 from 1.5 million recycled plastic bottles. A lightning strike a year later melted a third of the pier! Reopened in 2000.

Since 2008, contains a 20,000-square-foot barge named The Floating Pool Lady — containing an outdoor 25-meter swimming pool with a pool house; locker rooms with showers; bathrooms; a children’s spray shower; a gangplank leading to and from the barge; and a small amphitheater.

Views of the North and South Brother Islands bird sanctuaries (formerly a hospital, privately owned until 2007, featured in an episode of Broad City), which are closed to the public.

Yankee Stadium (2009)

The $1.5 billion dollar home of the New York Yankees and New York City FC (soccer) is the sixth-most expensive stadium ever built. Capacity of around 54,000. The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse features lockers with safety deposit box and touchscreen computer, weight room, lounge, indoor batting cages, and hydrotherapy pool with underwater treadmill!

The first team to chemically treat their uniforms with anti-bacterial. Because of the field dimensions, the soccer pitch is the smallest in the MLS and minimum allowed by the FIFA guidelines. Before the Yankees went to bat for the first time, Babe Ruth’s bat was placed on the home plate. Like the old Yankee Stadium, the team won it’s 27th World Series in its first season.

Features 4,300 club seats, 68 luxury suites, “Great Hall” (31,000-square-foot seven-story retail concourse, twenty player banners, LED ribbon display and LED display), over 1,100 HD monitors, $10 million in merchandise, fifth-largest (59 by 101 feet, third-largest when opened) scoreboard, and a Hard Rock Cafe. Incorporates replicas from the original Yankee Stadium such as the exterior, seating layout, copper roof frieze, field dimensions (1988 field), wall beyond the bleacher seats is “cut out” to reveal the four subway trains as they pass.

The New York Yankees Museum contains memorabilia including a “Ball Wall” (hundreds of autographed balls), a tribute to Don Larsen’s perfect game (1956 World Series), home and pitcher’s plate from the old stadium, Jeter’s 3,000th hit jersey, and the locker of Thurman Munson — which sat unoccupied in the previous stadium’s Yankee clubhouse. Stadium is adorned with hundreds of historical photographs. Monument Park II (after relocation from the old stadium, inaccessible to fans until 1985!) is an open-air museum honoring 37 players, plaques for 22 retired numbers, and five large red granite monuments (Huggins, Gehrig, Ruth, Mantle, DiMaggio, Steinbrenner) — the highest honor.

In 2009, in the 73rd home game of the first season the a stadium record 216th home run was hit. In 2009, Derek Jeter became the Yankees all-time hits leader with his 2,722nd hit. In 2010, Alex Rodriguez became the youngest player to reach 600 home runs at the stadium. In 2011, Jeter became the first Yankee to join the 3,000 hit club. In 2011, first team in history to hit three grand slams in a game. In 2011, Mariano Rivera became the all-time leader with 602 regular season saves. In 2015, New York City FC started playing at the stadium.

Criticized for high ticket prices ($63 average, the highest in baseball)— especially the “Legends Suite” behind home plate which are among the highest-priced tickets ($510 on average) in professional sports — leading to them frequently appearing empty on TV, harsh entry policies (no cameras or computers, no lockers), no printed e-tickets (to discourage scalping), and lack of atmosphere (fan noise). In 2016, responding to comments by Yankee’s COO Last Week Tonight offered Legends Seats for 25 cents to winners of a competition to dress like people who had “never sat in a premium location before.”

Other notable sporting events include soccer matches (2012–2014, Chelsea vs PSG, Real Madrid vs AC Milan, Man City vs Chelsea, Spain vs Ireland, Liverpool vs Man City), college football (Notre Dame vs Army, Army vs Rutgers, Lehigh vs Lafayette 150th rivalry game, Fordham vs Holy Cross in 53rd Ram-Crusader Cup), NHL (2014, Rangers vs Devils, Rangers vs Islanders), and boxing (2010, Yuri Foreman vs Cotto) — the first boxing match in the Bronx since 1976! Since 2010, hosted the Pinstripe Bowl.

Notable concerts include Jay-Z (2010, 2013), Eminem (2010), Paul McCartney (2011), Metallica/Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax (2011), Roger Waters (2012), Madonna (2012), Justin Timberlake (2013), Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood (2016). Special guests included 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Kanye, Nicki Minaj, Swizz Beatz, Chris Martin, Drake, Beyonce, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, and Timbaland!

Located one block north of the original Yankee Stadium (1923), which is now a park named Heritage Field.

Derfner Judaica Museum* (2009, founded 1982)

Jewish history museum with a collection of 1,000 objects plus access to The Art Collection at The Hebrew Home at Riverdale — over 4,500 paintings, prints, photographs, and sculpture ranging from contemporary works by such artists as Alex Katz, Ben Shahn, and Andy Warhol to Native American ceremonial art and African sculpture. Also a sculpture garden.

Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance* (2013, founded 1998)

BAAD! is a performing and visual art workshop space and performance venue that relocated from the historic American Bank Note Company Printing Plant to a gothic chapel on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1853) in 2013.

Bronx Brewery

Coffee

• Double Dutch Bronx
• Mon Amour Coffee & Wine*
• Mottley Kitchen (great cookies)

Eat

• 188 Bakery Cuchifritos*
• Beastro*
• Charlies Bar & Kitchen
• City Island Lobster House
• Cơm Tấm Ninh Kiều (Vietnamese)
• Ebe Ye Yie*
• Empanology (church service Sundays!)
• La Masa Restaurant
• Lechonera La Piraña
• Loeser’s Deli (1960, pastrami sandwiches)
• Lickety Split Ice Cream
• Monte’s Brick Oven (formerly La Grata)
• Havana Café* (Cuban)
• Hudson Garden Grill*
• Moss Café* (vegetarian)
• Mott Haven Bar & Grill*
• Packsun (Bangladeshi)
• Pio Pio*
• SoBro Cafe
• Taqueria Tlaxcalli
• Travesias* (Latin fusion)
• The Black Whale*

Drink

• Bronx Alehouse*
• Bronx Brewery
• Bronx Drafthouse*
• Bronx Tavern*
• Gun Hill Brewing Company*
• Gun Hill Tavern*
• The (Starving) Artist* (live music)

Do

• Pregones Theatre
• State Supply Equipment & Props (top supplier of film and TV props, open to the public)
• The Birthplace of Hip Hop (1520 Sedgwick Avenue). 1973 back-to-school party by DJ Kool Herc.
• To___Bridges___* (Mos Def gallery)

Shop

• 239 Play (vintage toys)
• Bronx Native (clothing)
• Famous Nobodys (clothing)