The Van Wyck Expressway

The Van Wyck Expressway in New York City is named after Robert A. Van Wyck, who was the first mayor of New York City after it consolidated into its five-borough form in 1898.

Robert Van Wyck was born in New York City in 1849 and was educated at Columbia University. He became involved in politics at a young age, and in 1897, he was elected as the first mayor of Greater New York, which was created by the consolidation of the five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

As mayor, Van Wyck oversaw the early development of the city’s infrastructure and oversaw the construction of several important public works projects, including the city’s first subway line and the construction of the Williamsburg Bridge. He was also instrumental in establishing the city’s public school system and played an important role in the city’s efforts to combat the spread of disease and improve public health.

Van Wyck’s legacy as the first mayor of Greater New York and his contributions to the city’s early development are still remembered and celebrated today, and the Van Wyck Expressway, which was named in his honor, remains an important transportation artery for the city and its residents.

Robert Anderson Van Wyck (1849-1918) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the first mayor of the newly consolidated New York City in 1898. He was born in New York City and attended Columbia College, where he graduated in 1869. He then attended Columbia Law School, from which he graduated in 1871.

Van Wyck began his career as a lawyer, and he quickly became involved in local politics in New York City. He served as a state assemblyman and a city judge before being elected as the first mayor of Greater New York in 1897.

As mayor, Van Wyck oversaw the consolidation of the five boroughs of New York City into a single, unified municipal government. He also oversaw the early development of the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of the city’s first subway line and the Williamsburg Bridge.

Van Wyck was known for his strong leadership skills and his commitment to improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. He was instrumental in establishing the city’s public school system and played an important role in the city’s efforts to combat the spread of disease and improve public health.

After leaving office, Van Wyck returned to private life and continued to practice law in New York City. He passed away in 1918, but his legacy as the first mayor of Greater New York and his contributions to the city’s early development are still remembered and celebrated today.

Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton in New York City is named after Alexander Hamilton, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury.

Hamilton was born in the West Indies in 1755 and immigrated to New York City as a teenager. He quickly established himself as a brilliant lawyer and political thinker, and he became one of the most influential figures in the early history of the United States.

During the American Revolution, Hamilton served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and played an important role in several key battles. After the war, he became a leading advocate for a strong federal government and helped to draft the United States Constitution.

As Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was responsible for establishing the nation’s financial system and implementing policies that helped to stabilize the young country’s economy. He was also a staunch supporter of the military and played a key role in the development of the United States Army and Navy.

Fort Hamilton, which is located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn, was established in 1825 and named in honor of Alexander Hamilton’s contributions to the early history of the United States. The fort played an important role in the defense of New York City during the Civil War and continues to serve as an important military installation today.

Sutton Place

Sutton Place is a street and residential area in the eastern part of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The street and neighborhood are named after Effingham B. Sutton, a wealthy shipping magnate who owned a large estate in the area during the late 19th century.

Effingham B. Sutton was born in 1820 in New York City and became one of the city’s most prominent businessmen during the mid-1800s. He was involved in the shipping industry and owned several large steamship companies, including the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and the Atlantic and Pacific Steamship Company.

In the late 1800s, Sutton purchased a large estate on the eastern side of Manhattan, near the East River. The estate included a large mansion and several acres of land, which he developed into a private residential area for wealthy New Yorkers.

Today, Sutton Place is known for its luxurious apartments, elegant townhouses, and sweeping views of the East River. The area is a popular destination for affluent residents and visitors who are drawn to its upscale restaurants, designer boutiques, and high-end shops. The legacy of Effingham B. Sutton, and his contributions to the development of the area, are still remembered and celebrated today through the naming of Sutton Place and the continued prosperity and success of the surrounding neighborhood.

ffingham B. Sutton was a wealthy shipping magnate and businessman who was born in New York City in 1820. He was the son of William Sutton, who was a successful merchant and landowner in the city.

Sutton began his career in the shipping industry at a young age, working for several different shipping companies in New York City. In the 1850s, he founded his own steamship company, which eventually grew to become one of the largest and most successful shipping companies in the world.

Sutton was known for his shrewd business sense and his willingness to take risks. He invested heavily in his company and in new technologies, including the use of steam power and the development of faster and more efficient shipping routes.

In addition to his work in the shipping industry, Sutton was also an important figure in New York City’s social and cultural scene. He was a member of several prominent social clubs and organizations and was known for his philanthropy and support of the arts.

Sutton passed away in 1891, but his legacy as a pioneering businessman and influential figure in the history of New York City lives on. The neighborhood of Sutton Place, which was named after him, remains one of the city’s most exclusive and sought-after residential areas, and the Sutton family’s contributions to the development of the city are still remembered and celebrated today.

Dyckman Blvd

Dyckman Boulevard is a major thoroughfare in upper Manhattan that runs east-west through several neighborhoods, including Inwood and Washington Heights. The boulevard is named after the Dyckman family, which was one of the early Dutch families to settle in the area.

The Dyckman family was one of the largest and most influential landowning families in upper Manhattan during the 18th and 19th centuries. The family’s holdings included a large farm that was located in what is now the Inwood neighborhood, as well as several other properties throughout the area.

Over time, the Dyckman family became an important part of the local community, and their name became associated with the area as a whole. In the early 20th century, the boulevard that runs through the heart of the Inwood and Washington Heights neighborhoods was officially named Dyckman Boulevard in honor of the family’s contributions to the area.

Today, Dyckman Boulevard is a major transportation artery for upper Manhattan, providing access to other parts of the city and serving as a hub for local businesses, shops, and restaurants. The legacy of the Dyckman family, and their important role in the history of the area, is still remembered and celebrated today through the naming of the boulevard and other landmarks and institutions that bear their name.

While there are several notable families with the name Dyckman in New York City, the most famous Dyckman family is associated with the Dyckman House, which is located in Upper Manhattan, not in Brooklyn.

The Dyckman House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in New York City, dating back to the late 18th century. It was built by William Dyckman, a farmer and landowner who settled in the area in the mid-1700s. The house and surrounding land were passed down through the Dyckman family for several generations and played an important role in the development of the surrounding community.

Today, the Dyckman House is a museum and historic site that is open to the public, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Dyckman family and the history of the Upper Manhattan area.

There may be other individuals or families with the name Dyckman who have lived or made contributions to Brooklyn, but the most prominent and well-known association with the name Dyckman is the Dyckman House in Upper Manhattan.

Ebbets Field

Ebbets Field, which was the home stadium of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team from 1913 to 1957, is named after Charles Ebbets, who was the team’s owner and president at the time the stadium was built.

Ebbets was born in New York City in 1859 and began his career in baseball as a ticket-seller for the Brooklyn Dodgers (then known as the Brooklyn Grays) in the 1880s. He eventually became the team’s president and majority owner, and he oversaw the construction of Ebbets Field in 1913.

Ebbets Field quickly became one of the most beloved and iconic ballparks in baseball history, and it was known for its intimate feel, distinctive architecture, and loyal fan base. The stadium was the site of many historic moments in baseball history, including Jackie Robinson’s debut as the first African American player in the major leagues in 1947.

Ebbets passed away in 1925, but his legacy and his impact on the history of baseball in Brooklyn and New York City as a whole are still remembered and celebrated today.

Charles Ebbets was an American businessman and baseball executive who was born in New York City in 1859. He was best known as the owner and president of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team, which he led for more than 20 years.

Ebbets began his career in baseball as a ticket-seller for the Brooklyn Dodgers (then known as the Brooklyn Grays) in the 1880s. He eventually became the team’s president and majority owner, and he oversaw the construction of Ebbets Field, the team’s home stadium, in 1913.

Ebbets was known for his shrewd business sense and his commitment to building a winning baseball team. He invested heavily in the team and its players, and he was responsible for bringing many of the Dodgers’ most famous players to Brooklyn, including Babe Ruth, Duke Snider, and Jackie Robinson.

Ebbets was also a beloved figure in the Brooklyn community and was known for his commitment to the city and its residents. He was a prominent philanthropist and donated large sums of money to support a range of charitable causes.

Ebbets passed away in 1925, but his legacy and his impact on the history of baseball in Brooklyn and New York City as a whole are still remembered and celebrated today. Ebbets Field, which was named in his honor, remains an important part of Brooklyn’s cultural and sporting heritage, and his contributions to the development of the Dodgers and the city of Brooklyn are still recognized and appreciated by fans of baseball and history alike.

Jones Beach

Jones Beach in New York is named after Major Thomas Jones, an American lawyer and politician who owned the land on which the beach is located in the late 19th century.

Jones was born in 1810 in Oyster Bay, New York, and was educated at Columbia University. He went on to become a prominent lawyer and politician, serving as a member of the New York State Assembly and as a state senator.

In the late 19th century, Jones purchased a large tract of land on the southern shore of Long Island, which he used for farming and as a private hunting and fishing retreat. After his death in 1899, his family continued to own and operate the property, and in the early 20th century, they began to develop the land into a public park and beach.

Jones Beach officially opened to the public in 1929 and quickly became one of the most popular public beaches in the New York City area. Today, it is home to several miles of white-sand beaches, as well as a range of recreational facilities, including swimming pools, sports fields, and concert venues. The beach is also known for its iconic Art Deco-style buildings and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Thomas Jones was an American lawyer and politician who was born in Oyster Bay, New York in 1810. He was educated at Columbia University and went on to become a prominent lawyer and politician in the state of New York.

Jones served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1841 to 1842 and as a state senator from 1844 to 1847. During his time in office, he was known for his support of progressive causes, including the abolition of slavery and the expansion of public education.

In addition to his political work, Jones was also a successful businessman and landowner. He owned several large tracts of land on Long Island, including the property that would later become Jones Beach.

Jones was known for his love of hunting and fishing, and he used his Long Island property as a private retreat for these activities. After his death in 1899, his family continued to own and operate the property, and in the early 20th century, they began to develop the land into a public park and beach.

Today, Jones Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in the New York City area, and it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The legacy of Thomas Jones, who was instrumental in the development of the beach and park, is still remembered and celebrated today.

Willis Avenue

The Willis Avenue Bridge in New York City is named after Benjamin Willis, a former alderman and state assemblyman from the Bronx who was instrumental in securing funding for the bridge’s construction. Willis was born in New York City in 1838 and served in various public offices over the course of his career.

The Willis Avenue Bridge was originally built in 1901 and connected the neighborhoods of Mott Haven in the Bronx and East Harlem in Manhattan. The original bridge was replaced with a new, wider bridge in 2010, but the name was retained in honor of Benjamin Willis and his contributions to the development of the Bronx and New York City as a whole.

Today, the Willis Avenue Bridge is an important transportation artery for the Bronx, providing access to Manhattan and other parts of the city. The bridge is also an important landmark and symbol of the Bronx’s rich history and heritage.

Benjamin A. Willis was a political figure and public servant who was born in New York City in 1838. He was an alderman for the City of New York and a member of the New York State Assembly, where he represented the Bronx.

Willis was an influential figure in the development of the Bronx and was instrumental in securing funding for several important infrastructure projects in the area, including the construction of the Third Avenue elevated train line and the Willis Avenue Bridge.

The Willis Avenue Bridge was built in 1901 and originally connected the neighborhoods of Mott Haven in the Bronx and East Harlem in Manhattan. It was one of the first swing bridges to be built in New York City, and it quickly became an important transportation artery for the Bronx.

Today, the Willis Avenue Bridge has been replaced with a new, wider bridge, but it still bears Benjamin Willis’s name in honor of his contributions to the development of the Bronx and the City of New York.

Nostrand Avenue

Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn, New York is named after the Dutch settler, Rem Remsen Van der Bilt’s farm, which was located in the area in the 18th century. The name “Nostrand” is derived from the Dutch words “Nord” and “Strand,” which mean “north” and “beach,” respectively.

Over time, the name Nostrand became associated with the area as a whole, and the street that runs through the neighborhood was eventually named Nostrand Avenue in honor of the region’s history and heritage.

Today, Nostrand Avenue is a busy commercial and residential thoroughfare that runs through several Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and Flatbush. It is home to many small businesses, shops, and restaurants, and is a major transportation artery for the area, providing easy access to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Rem Remsen Van der Bilt was a Dutch settler who lived in the Brooklyn area during the 18th century. Not much is known about his personal life, but he is remembered for his large farm that was located in what is now the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Van der Bilt was part of a wave of Dutch immigrants who came to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. He settled in the Brooklyn area, which was then largely rural and agricultural, and began farming the land.

Van der Bilt’s farm was one of the largest in the area, and it played an important role in the development of the Brooklyn community. The farm was known for its dairy production and was a major supplier of milk and other dairy products to the surrounding area.

Over time, the name “Nostrand” became associated with the area as a whole, and the street that ran through the region was eventually named Nostrand Avenue in honor of the region’s history and heritage.

Today, the legacy of Rem Remsen Van der Bilt lives on through the naming of Nostrand Avenue and the other landmarks and institutions that bear his name. While little is known about his personal life, his contributions to the early development of the Brooklyn community are still remembered and celebrated today.

Gardiner’s Island


Gardiners Island in New York is named after Lion Gardiner, an English-born colonial soldier and landowner who played a significant role in the early history of the American colonies.

Gardiner was born in 1599 in England and became a soldier in his youth. He fought in the Thirty Years’ War in Europe and later served as a military engineer in the English Civil War.

In 1635, Gardiner immigrated to the American colonies and was granted a large tract of land on the eastern end of Long Island by the Dutch government, which then controlled the region. He established a settlement on the island and became the first English-speaking settler in what is now New York State.

Gardiner also played a key role in defending the American colonies against Native American attacks. He helped to build several fortifications, including a stone fort on the eastern end of Long Island that is still standing today.

In recognition of his contributions to the development and defense of the American colonies, Gardiner was granted a large tract of land on what is now known as Gardiners Island. The island remained in the Gardiner family’s possession for several centuries and is still privately owned by the Gardiner family today.

Today, Gardiners Island is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The island is also known for its unique ecology, which includes several rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

Lion Gardiner was an English-born colonial soldier, engineer, and landowner who played a significant role in the early history of the American colonies. He was born in Essex, England, in 1599 and grew up in a family of military men.

In 1635, Gardiner emigrated to the American colonies and was granted a large tract of land on the eastern end of Long Island by the Dutch government. He established a settlement on the island, which became known as Gardiners Island, and built a stone house there that still stands today.

Gardiner was known for his military and engineering skills and played a key role in defending the American colonies against Native American attacks. He helped to build several fortifications, including a stone fort on the eastern end of Long Island, which was designed to protect the settlers from the threat of attack.

In addition to his military and engineering work, Gardiner was also a successful farmer and landowner. He owned several large properties in the area and was known for his skill in breeding cattle and horses.

Gardiner’s descendants continued to own and operate Gardiners Island for several centuries, and the island remains in the Gardiner family’s possession today. Today, Gardiners Island is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. It is also known for its unique ecology, which includes several rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

Ditmars Blvd

Ditmars Blvd in New York City is named after Abram Ditmars, a prominent landowner and politician who lived in the area during the late 19th century.

Ditmars was born in Queens in 1822 and spent much of his life in the Astoria and Long Island City neighborhoods. He was a successful farmer and landowner who owned several large properties in the area.

In addition to his business interests, Ditmars was also active in politics. He served as a town supervisor and as a member of the New York State Assembly, and he was instrumental in the development of Astoria and Long Island City.

Ditmars played a key role in securing the funding and support necessary to build several important infrastructure projects in the area, including the Long Island Rail Road, the Steinway Tunnel, and the Queensboro Bridge.

Today, Ditmars Blvd runs through the heart of the Astoria neighborhood in Queens, and it is home to many small businesses, shops, and restaurants. The boulevard is an important transportation artery for the area, providing easy access to other parts of Queens and Manhattan.

Abram Ditmars was a prominent businessman, politician, and landowner in Queens, New York during the 19th century. He was born in the town of Jamaica, Queens in 1822, and spent much of his life in the Astoria and Long Island City neighborhoods.

Ditmars was a successful farmer and landowner who owned several large properties in the area, including a large farm in what is now the Ditmars-Steinway neighborhood of Astoria. He was known for his skill in breeding cattle and horses, and he won numerous awards for his livestock at local fairs.

In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Ditmars was active in politics. He served as a town supervisor and as a member of the New York State Assembly, where he worked to secure funding and support for important infrastructure projects in Queens, such as the Steinway Tunnel and the Queensboro Bridge.

Ditmars was also a founding member of several organizations that were dedicated to promoting the interests of farmers and landowners in Queens, including the Long Island Agricultural Society and the Queens County Agricultural Society.

Ditmars passed away in 1898 at the age of 76. Today, he is primarily remembered for his contributions to the development of Astoria and Long Island City, and for his role in securing the funding and support necessary to build several important infrastructure projects in the area. His name lives on through Ditmars Blvd, which is an important thoroughfare in Queens that is named in his honor.