Peeking over Boston Road, the Morris High School Historic District stands as a testament to history. It is centered on Morris High School. This district showcases architectural styles and tells tales of a bygone era.
Morris High School Historic District earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The district encompasses 51 contributing buildings. These include the Morris High School itself plus brick rowhouses and the Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania.
Let’s focus on Morris High School. It is a masterpiece of Collegiate Gothic style. Superintendent of School Buildings C.B.J. Snyder designed it. Morris High School opened its doors in 1904. Its features include a turreted tower, terra cotta trim and a copper roof. The school sits at the highest point in the Bronx.
The surrounding area also has architectural significance. The two and three-story brick houses display a Free Classical style. These were constructed mainly between 1900 and 1904. These homes incorporate elements of the English, Flemish, and Italian Renaissance Revivals.
Trinity Episcopal Church is the oldest structure in the district. Its construction began in 1874. It got redecorated in the High Gothic style in 1906. The church stands at the corner of Trinity Avenue and East 166th Street.
Once, this area was known as Morrisania. It was a township of Westchester County. Colonel Lewis Morris and his brother Richard purchased land here in 1670. They were British Officers. The Harlem and Hudson River Railroads helped to populate Morrisania.
Morris High School has notable alumni. Colin Powell who was once Secretary of State attended the school. Comedian Milton Berle is also an alumnus. Helen Marshall who became Queens Borough President went to Morris High School too.
The Morris High School Historic District offers a glimpse into the past. The buildings and the streets tell a story of architectural evolution. The area has witnessed societal changes. It remains a significant landmark in the Bronx. The district embodies a blend of architectural styles. Morris High School anchors the neighborhood. The district serves as a reminder of the area’s rich heritage.