NYC Placename

Flatbush Avenue is named after the historic Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. The origin of the name “Flatbush” is somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to be a Dutch term that translates roughly to “flat woodland.”

The avenue itself is one of the oldest and most important thoroughfares in Brooklyn, and it has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. Originally a Native American trail, the road became an important route for European settlers, who used it to travel between the settlements of Brooklyn and Flatbush.

Over the centuries, Flatbush Avenue has undergone numerous changes and transformations, reflecting the growth and development of Brooklyn and the wider region. Today, it is a major commercial and transportation hub, with numerous businesses, shops, and restaurants lining the street, as well as several subway and bus lines running through the area.

While the specific origins of the name “Flatbush” are somewhat unclear, the name has become synonymous with the historic and vibrant neighborhood of Brooklyn that bears its name, and it remains an important part of the cultural and economic landscape of New York City.

Mosholu is a neighborhood in the Bronx, New York City, that takes its name from the Mosholu Parkway, which in turn is named after the Mosholu River, a tributary of the Harlem River that runs through the area.

The origin of the name “Mosholu” is somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to be a Native American term that means “smooth stones” or “small stones.” The Mosholu River was an important source of water and natural resources for the Native American tribes that lived in the region before the arrival of European settlers.

Today, Mosholu is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood that is home to a diverse array of residents and businesses. The area is known for its beautiful parks and natural spaces, including the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, as well as its historic landmarks and cultural institutions.

While the specific history of the Mosholu River and its name is somewhat unclear, the name has become synonymous with the vibrant and dynamic community that has grown up around it, and it remains an important part of the cultural and economic landscape of the Bronx and New York City as a whole.

Sutphin Boulevard in Queens, New York City is named after John Sutphin, who was a prominent landowner and businessman in the region during the mid-19th century.

John Sutphin was born in Long Island in 1805 and later moved to Queens, where he became one of the most successful and influential landowners in the region. He was involved in several businesses, including farming, milling, and real estate, and he became known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to the community.

Sutphin was also involved in politics and served as a member of the New York State Assembly in the 1840s. He was known for his progressive views and his support of education and infrastructure projects, and he played an important role in several key initiatives that helped to shape the development of Queens and New York City more broadly.

Today, Sutphin Boulevard is an important commercial and transportation hub for the region, with several major subway and train lines running through the area. The street remains an important part of the economic and cultural landscape of Queens and a testament to the enduring legacy of John Sutphin and his contributions to the early history of the region.

John Sutphin (1805-1878) was a prominent businessman, landowner, and politician in Queens, New York during the mid-19th century. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the development of the region and his dedication to the community.

Sutphin was born in Long Island and later moved to Jamaica, Queens, where he became one of the most successful and influential landowners in the region. He was involved in several businesses, including farming, milling, and real estate, and he played a key role in the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure, including the construction of several important roads and bridges.

In addition to his business activities, Sutphin was also involved in politics and served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1843 to 1844. He was known for his progressive views and his support of education and infrastructure projects, and he played an important role in several key initiatives that helped to shape the development of Queens and New York City more broadly.

Sutphin’s contributions to the region were widely recognized during his lifetime, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today. Sutphin Boulevard in Queens is named in his honor, and several other streets and landmarks in the area bear his name. The John R. Sutphin Memorial High School in Jamaica, Queens, is also named after him.

Gowanus, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City, takes its name from the Gowanus Canal, which in turn was named after the Gowanus tribe of Native Americans who once lived in the area.

The Gowanus tribe was part of the larger Lenape Nation, which inhabited much of the New York City region before the arrival of European settlers. The Gowanus were known for their fishing and hunting skills, and they lived in the marshy areas around the canal that now bears their name.

During the colonial era, the Gowanus Canal became an important shipping channel, connecting the bustling port of New York City to other parts of the region. The area around the canal grew rapidly, and by the mid-19th century, it had become an important industrial hub, with factories, warehouses, and other industrial facilities lining the canal’s banks.

Today, Gowanus is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood that is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, as well as a growing community of businesses and residents. While the area’s industrial past is still visible in the form of historic warehouses and factories, there is also a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving the area’s unique history and character.

The Gowanus were a Native American tribe that lived in the region now known as Brooklyn, New York City, before the arrival of European settlers.

The Gowanus were part of the larger Lenape Nation, which inhabited much of the northeastern United States before the arrival of Europeans. They were known for their hunting and fishing skills and lived in the marshy areas around the Gowanus Canal, which now bears their name.

Little is known about the specific history and culture of the Gowanus people, as much of their knowledge was lost in the centuries following the arrival of European settlers. However, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early Lenape settlements in the region, including shell middens, pottery fragments, and other artifacts.

Today, the Gowanus Canal is a Superfund site, meaning it has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as a heavily polluted area in need of cleanup. Efforts are underway to revitalize the canal and surrounding area, with a focus on restoring the natural ecosystem and preserving the area’s unique history and character, including its ties to the Gowanus and other indigenous peoples who once called the region home.

Hunts Point in New York City is named after Thomas Hunt, who was a wealthy landowner and businessman during the colonial era.

Hunt was born in New York City in 1712 and became a successful merchant and landowner, acquiring a large tract of land in what is now the South Bronx. He established a thriving farming and shipping business in the region, which included a large estate and several warehouses and docks.

Hunt’s estate and business interests played an important role in the development of the region during the colonial era, and his family continued to be influential landowners in the area for many years. The community that grew up around his estate became known as Hunt’s Point, and the name has remained in use to the present day.

Today, Hunt’s Point is an important commercial and industrial hub for the region, with a thriving food market, a large wholesale produce market, and numerous businesses and warehouses. The area remains an important part of the economic and cultural landscape of New York City and a testament to the enduring legacy of Thomas Hunt and his contributions to the early history of the region.

Thomas Hunt (1712-1788) was a prominent businessman and landowner in colonial-era New York City. Born in Manhattan, Hunt made his fortune in the shipping and agriculture industries, and became one of the wealthiest men in the region.

In the 1730s, Hunt purchased a large tract of land in what is now the South Bronx, which he used to establish a thriving farming and shipping business. He built a large estate on the property, which included several warehouses and docks, and he quickly became a leading figure in the local community.

Hunt was also involved in politics and served as a member of the New York Provincial Assembly from 1754 to 1757. He was known for his outspoken advocacy of colonial rights and his opposition to British colonial policies, and he played an important role in several key events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

During the war, Hunt’s estate was used by both American and British forces, and he suffered significant financial losses as a result. However, he continued to be an influential figure in the region, and his family remained prominent landowners in the South Bronx for many years.

Today, Hunt’s Point in the South Bronx is named in honor of Thomas Hunt, and his legacy as a successful businessman, influential landowner, and outspoken advocate for colonial rights is still remembered and celebrated in the region. The area continues to be an important part of the economic and cultural landscape of New York City and a testament to the enduring legacy of Thomas Hunt and his contributions to the early history of the region.

The Pulaski Bridge in New York City is named after General Casimir Pulaski, who was a Polish nobleman and military commander who fought for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

Pulaski was born in Poland in 1745 and gained a reputation as a skilled military commander during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s struggle against foreign invaders. In 1777, he traveled to America to join the Continental Army, where he quickly became a trusted advisor to General George Washington and played an important role in several key battles, including the Battle of Brandywine.

In 1779, Pulaski was given command of a unit of cavalry known as the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, which was made up of Polish and American soldiers. The unit played an important role in several key battles of the Revolutionary War, and Pulaski became known as a hero of the American Revolution.

Pulaski was mortally wounded at the Battle of Savannah in 1779 and died a few days later. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in the early history of the United States and a symbol of the close ties between Poland and the United States.

The Pulaski Bridge, which spans the Newtown Creek between Brooklyn and Queens, was named in honor of General Casimir Pulaski in recognition of his contributions to the early history of the United States and his legacy as a hero of the American Revolution.

Casimir Pulaski (1745-1779) was a Polish nobleman, military commander, and hero of the American Revolution. He is widely recognized as one of the most important foreign commanders who fought for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

Pulaski was born into a noble family in Poland and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled military commander during the country’s struggle against foreign invaders. In 1777, he traveled to America to offer his services to the Continental Army, where he quickly became a trusted advisor to General George Washington.

In 1778, Pulaski was given command of a unit of cavalry known as the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, which was made up of Polish and American soldiers. The unit played an important role in several key battles of the Revolutionary War, and Pulaski became known as a hero of the American Revolution.

One of Pulaski’s most notable achievements was his role in the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, where his cavalry unit played a crucial role in preventing the British from breaking through the American lines. Pulaski also played an important role in the Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Savannah, where he was mortally wounded and died a few days later.

Today, Pulaski is remembered as a key figure in the early history of the United States and a symbol of the close ties between Poland and the United States. The Pulaski Day Parade is held annually in cities throughout the United States, including New York City, to celebrate Pulaski’s contributions to the country’s history and culture. The Pulaski Bridge in New York City and Pulaski County in Arkansas are also named in his honor.

The Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City is named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who was a Polish-Lithuanian military engineer and officer who fought for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

Kosciuszko was born in Lithuania in 1746 and studied engineering in Poland before traveling to America to join the Continental Army in 1776. He quickly became a trusted advisor to General George Washington and played an important role in several key battles of the Revolutionary War, including the battles of Saratoga and Germantown.

After the war, Kosciuszko returned to Europe and continued his military service in Poland, where he became a key figure in the fight for Polish independence. He was also an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice and played an important role in the abolitionist movement in Europe.

The Kosciuszko Bridge, which spans the Newtown Creek between Brooklyn and Queens, was named in honor of Tadeusz Kosciuszko in recognition of his contributions to the early history of the United States and his legacy as a champion of freedom and equality.

Today, the Kosciuszko Bridge remains an important transportation artery for the region, connecting residents and businesses in Brooklyn and Queens and serving as an important symbol of the shared history and culture of the diverse communities that call New York City home.

There are several other areas in Brooklyn that are named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko. One of the most notable areas named after Kosciuszko is the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, which is sometimes referred to as “Bed-Stuy” for short. The area is home to Kosciuszko Street, which runs through the heart of the neighborhood and is a major commercial and cultural hub for the community.

Additionally, there are several other streets and landmarks throughout Brooklyn that are named after Kosciuszko, including Kosciuszko Park, which is located in the Greenpoint neighborhood, and the Kosciuszko Bridge Plaza, which is located at the Brooklyn entrance to the Kosciuszko Bridge.

These various landmarks and institutions throughout Brooklyn are a testament to the lasting legacy of Tadeusz Kosciuszko and his contributions to the early history of the United States, as well as his role in the fight for Polish independence and his ongoing commitment to social justice and equality.

Van Cortlandt Park in New York City is named after the Van Cortlandt family, which was one of the oldest and most prominent families in the region during the colonial era.

The Van Cortlandt family first arrived in the New World in the mid-17th century and quickly became influential members of the Dutch community in what is now the Bronx. They were prominent landowners and played an important role in the early development of the region, establishing large estates and engaging in various business ventures.

Augustus Van Cortlandt, who was a descendant of the family, donated the land for Van Cortlandt Park to the City of New York in 1888. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who were also responsible for the design of Central Park in Manhattan, and it quickly became a popular destination for residents of the Bronx and visitors from other parts of the city.

Today, Van Cortlandt Park remains one of the largest and most popular parks in New York City, offering a wide range of recreational activities and serving as an important natural landmark in the region. The Van Cortlandt family’s legacy as influential landowners and business leaders in the early history of the region is still remembered and celebrated through the naming of the park and other landmarks and institutions throughout the area.

Augustus Van Cortlandt (1833-1907) was a prominent businessman and philanthropist in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a descendant of the Van Cortlandt family, which was one of the oldest and most influential families in the region during the colonial era.

Van Cortlandt was born in New York City and began his career as a clerk for a mercantile firm before becoming involved in the family’s various business interests, including shipping, real estate, and banking. He was a successful businessman and played an important role in the economic development of the region during the late 19th century.

Van Cortlandt was also a dedicated philanthropist and played an important role in the development of several cultural and educational institutions in New York City. He was a founding member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and served as a trustee of several other prominent institutions, including Columbia University and the American Museum of Natural History.

One of Van Cortlandt’s most notable philanthropic contributions was the donation of the land for Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and quickly became a popular destination for residents of the Bronx and visitors from other parts of the city.

Augustus Van Cortlandt passed away in 1907, but his legacy as a successful businessman and influential philanthropist is still remembered and celebrated today. The Van Cortlandt family’s contributions to the early history of the region and their ongoing commitment to public service and philanthropy continue to inspire and inform contemporary efforts to improve the quality of life for residents of New York City and beyond.

The Hutchinson River Parkway in New York City is named after Anne Hutchinson, who was an early English Puritan who settled in the area that is now the Bronx during the 17th century.

Anne Hutchinson was born in England in 1591 and immigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony with her family in 1634. She quickly became a prominent figure in the colony’s Puritan community, and she gained a reputation for her religious views and her outspoken personality.

Hutchinson’s views were controversial, and she became embroiled in a theological dispute with the colony’s leaders over the nature of salvation and the role of women in religious life. She was eventually expelled from the colony and settled in what is now the Bronx, where she founded a settlement known as Pelham Bay.

Today, Hutchinson’s legacy as a pioneering figure in the history of the Bronx is still remembered and celebrated through the naming of the Hutchinson River Parkway and other landmarks and institutions throughout the region. The parkway is an important transportation artery for the area, and it provides access to several other major highways and local businesses and attractions.

Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) was a prominent figure in the early history of the American colonies and a key figure in the development of religious freedom in what would eventually become the United States.

Hutchinson was born in England and emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony with her husband and family in 1634. She quickly became a leader in the Puritan community, organizing Bible studies and theological discussions in her home.

Hutchinson’s teachings were controversial, and she challenged the established religious leaders of the colony by advocating for a more personal and individualized relationship with God. She also spoke out against the strict religious orthodoxy of the Puritan community and advocated for greater rights and freedoms for women.

Hutchinson’s teachings drew a following, but they also drew the ire of the Puritan leaders of the colony, who saw her as a threat to their authority. In 1637, she was put on trial and charged with sedition and heresy. She was found guilty and banished from the colony, along with several of her followers.

Hutchinson settled in what is now the Bronx in New York City and founded a settlement known as Pelham Bay. She and her family were later killed in an attack by Native Americans in 1643.

Despite her tragic end, Hutchinson’s legacy as a pioneering figure in the history of religious freedom in America is still remembered and celebrated today. She is recognized as one of the earliest and most influential advocates for individual rights and freedoms in the country’s early history, and her contributions to the development of religious freedom continue to inspire and inform contemporary debates about individual rights and liberties.

The exact reason why the Hutchinson River was named after Anne Hutchinson is not clear, as there are no official records or historical documents that explain the reasoning behind the naming. However, it is likely that the river was named after Hutchinson as a way to honor her contributions to the early history of the American colonies and her legacy as a pioneering advocate for individual rights and freedoms.

Hutchinson’s teachings and beliefs were controversial and challenged the established religious and social norms of the Puritan community. Her banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and her subsequent settlement in what is now the Bronx made her a notable figure in the early history of the region. The naming of the Hutchinson River after her was likely a way to recognize her contributions to the development of religious freedom and individual rights in America.

The Merritt Parkway in Connecticut is named after Schuyler Merritt, who was a prominent Republican politician and businessman in the early 20th century.

Schuyler Merritt was born in 1853 in Connecticut and began his career as a lawyer. He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1884 and served several terms in the state legislature before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1894.

Merritt was known for his advocacy of transportation infrastructure projects, and he played an important role in the development of the Merritt Parkway, which was built in the 1930s. The parkway was designed as a scenic, limited-access highway that would connect the cities and towns of Fairfield County in southwestern Connecticut.

The Merritt Parkway was also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with carefully designed bridges and other structures that blended in with the natural environment. It quickly became a popular destination for motorists and tourists alike, and it remains an important transportation artery for the region today.

Schuyler Merritt passed away in 1953, but his legacy as an influential political figure and advocate for transportation infrastructure projects in Connecticut is still remembered and celebrated today.

Schuyler Merritt (1853-1953) was a prominent Republican politician, businessman, and philanthropist who played an important role in the development of Connecticut during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, and grew up in a family that was heavily involved in politics and public service.

After graduating from Columbia Law School in 1876, Merritt began his legal career in New York City before returning to Connecticut to work as a lawyer and businessman. He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1884 and served several terms in the state legislature before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1894.

During his time in Congress, Merritt was a vocal advocate for transportation infrastructure projects, and he played an important role in securing funding for several major highways, including the Merritt Parkway, which was named in his honor. Merritt was also a strong supporter of the arts and played an important role in the development of several cultural institutions in Connecticut, including the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

In addition to his political and philanthropic work, Merritt was also a successful businessman, with interests in several industries, including shipping, railroads, and real estate. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to innovation, and he played an important role in the economic development of Connecticut during the early 20th century.

Schuyler Merritt passed away in 1953 at the age of 99, but his legacy as an influential political figure, businessman, and philanthropist is still remembered and celebrated today. The Merritt Parkway, which was one of his most important contributions to the state of Connecticut, remains a popular and iconic landmark in the region.