Did you know that a piece of Manhattan is actually part of the mainland? That’s Marble Hill. It’s a unique neighborhood with a fascinating story.
Marble Hill is the northernmost part of Manhattan. However, it is connected to the Bronx. This quirky geography has led to a long-standing debate. Is Marble Hill part of Manhattan or the Bronx?
Let’s dive into the history of Marble Hill. Originally, it was the northernmost tip of Manhattan Island. The Spuyten Duyvil Creek flowed around it. This separated Marble Hill from the Bronx.
In 1895, the course of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek was altered. The goal was to improve navigation around Manhattan. This change physically separated Marble Hill from Manhattan. For 19 years, Marble Hill existed as an island.
Then, in 1914, the old creek bed was filled in. The material came from excavations for the Harlem River Ship Canal. This connected Marble Hill to the Bronx. But legally, Marble Hill remained part of Manhattan.
The name “Marble Hill” comes from dolomite marble deposits. Darius C. Crosby conceived the name in 1891. This relatively soft rock underlay the area. The marble was used for federal buildings in lower Manhattan in the 1780s. At that time, New York was the capital of the United States.
Marble Hill has been inhabited since the Dutch colonial period. In 1646, Governor Kieft granted land to Mattius Jansen van Keulan and Huyck Aertsen. This included the entire present-day community.
Two bridges once connected Marble Hill to the mainland. The Kingsbridge was built in 1693 by Frederick Philipse. Jacobus Dyckman and Benjamin Palmer constructed the Dyckman Free Bridge in 1759. Today, both bridges are covered by landfill.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Army built a fort here. It was part of a series of forts defending the area. Hessian forces later captured the fort. They renamed it Fort Prince Charles.
Saint Stephen’s United Methodist Church has been a community landmark since 1898. It stands on 228th Street and Marble Hill Avenue. The congregation dates back to 1826.
The IRT subway extended to Marble Hill in 1906. The 225th Street station serves the neighborhood. Metro-North also has a station in Marble Hill.
In the early 1950s, urban renewal brought changes. The Marble Hill Houses complex was built. The Marble Hill Playground followed.
Bronx Borough President James J. Lyons staged a publicity stunt in 1939. He planted the Bronx County flag in Marble Hill. He proclaimed it part of the Bronx. Residents booed and protested. They wanted to remain part of Manhattan.
Even today, Marble Hill residents serving on jury duty report to lower Manhattan.
Marble Hill remains a unique place. It is a small community with a strong identity. It is a piece of Manhattan, geographically attached to the Bronx. It is a neighborhood with a rich history and a continuing story. So, next time you are in the area take a closer look at Marble Hill.