Vernon Mall

“Whose cloak inspired a sailor’s drink?” a voice rings out, drawing your attention to Vernon Mall. This little slice of green, nestled between 50th and 51st Avenues along Vernon Boulevard, holds more history than meets the eye. Vernon Mall, once the approach to the Old Vernon Avenue Bridge, became a public space in 1967. The city, although still officially in charge, lets Parks maintain Vernon Mall as a park. Today, with its walkway, benches, and trees, Vernon Mall offers a peaceful respite. But let’s rewind to a time of war and rum. Admiral Edward Vernon, a British naval commander, lends his name to this very spot. He joined the Navy in 1700, rose through the ranks, and even served in Parliament. A staunch opponent of Prime Minister Walpole, Vernon urged war with Spain, a conflict that eventually erupted in 1739. Vernon’s capture of Portobello in Panama made him a hero. His nickname, “Old Grog,” stemmed from the grogram cloak he wore in bad weather. The name also became attached to his sailors’ diluted rum ration. Vernon’s legacy crossed the Atlantic thanks to Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s half-brother. Lawrence served under Vernon and later named his Virginia estate Mount Vernon. Back in Queens, the story of Vernon Mall connects to a turnpike built in 1842, named Vernon Avenue. The Vernon Avenue Bridge once spanned Newtown Creek, linking Queens and Brooklyn, but was demolished in 1965. Vernon Avenue eventually transformed into Vernon Boulevard, running along the East River. Vernon Mall itself sits on land acquired by the city in 1907. It served as the bridge approach for decades before becoming the tranquil park we see today.