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An Early History of Mott Haven, NY

mott haven personal injury lawyer near patterson houses

The personal injury lawyers in Mott Haven, NY, present this article to offer a detailed excerpt about the neighborhood.

Mott Haven is a largely residential neighborhood in the Bronx, New York. Starting from the north, the area's boundaries are East 149th Street to the north, the Bruckner Expressway to the east, the Bronx Kill waterway to the south, and the Harlem River to the west. The neighborhood spans 1.180 square miles and hosts an approximate population of 52,413 with a population density of 44,000 per square mile.

Mott Haven belongs to ZIP codes 10451, 10454, 10455, and area codes 718, 347, 929, and 917.

History

Mott Haven is in the borough of The Bronx, named after Swedish sea captain Jonas Bronck.

The grounds that occupy modern-day Mott Haven were purchase in 1639 by the Dutch West India Company from the Wecquaesgeek, groups of Lenape tribe.

Captain Jonas Bronck built his farm on the land and named it "Emmanus." The house was located close to the corner of modern-day Willis Avenue and 132nd Street. When the Dutch purchased land from the Wecquaesgeek tribe, Dutch authorities and the Wecquaesgeek chiefs Ranaqua and Tackamuckwas signed a peace treaty in Jonas Bronck's house.

The event is portrayed in a painting by the American artist John Ward Dunsmore (1856–1945).

Although Jonas Bronck only lived in the area for four years, the land became known as "Broncksland," and the river that bordered his land kept the name Bronck's River.

In 1670, the area known today as Mott Haven was sold to the Mott family by the Morris family.

In 1849, a small part of the larger swath of land known as Morrisania was purchased by Jordan Lawrence Mott for his ironworks. Today, a vestige of the ironworks can be found west of the Third Avenue Bridge on East 134th Street at St. Ann's Church on St. Ann's Avenue, which happens to be the resting place of Lewis Morris Gouverneur Morris and other members of the powerful colonial family. St. Ann's Avenue is also a Registered Historic Place.

Following the Mott family purchasing the land of Mott Haven, the area quickly developed residentially. By the 1890s, an upper-middle-class residential area, known for its brownstones and daring architecture, started to expand on Alexander Avenue.

Also home to Mott Haven was a series of brownstones on E. 134th St, east of Willis Ave., known as Judges' Row. By the early 20th century, the growing population of Mott Haven supported the construction of several tenement-style apartment buildings.

From the end of the 19th century through the 1940s, Mott Haven was a mixed German-American and Irish-American neighborhood, with an Italian enclave west of Lincoln Ave. In the late 1940s, the first Puerto Rican settlements arrived and settled along Brooke Avenue. Soon after, the Patterson Houses were built, and African-Americans moved into the area as well.

During the course of Mott Haven's growth, the communities of Wilton and North New York were incorporated into it. In the later 20th century and early 21st century, Mott Haven has seen a significant increase in gentrification, which is most evident along Bruckner Boulevard, Alexander Avenue, and Lincoln Avenue.

The most recent development plans include two affordable rental buildings and a Hampton Inn by Monadnock Development and Signature Urban Properties.

Notable Persons

Mott Haven is not only home to great history; it is also home to great residents who have made history. Some notable residents of Mott Haven include,

  • French Montana (born 1984), rapper, is from the Mott Haven Houses.
  • Percee P (born 1969), rapper, was raised in the Patterson Houses.
  • Johnny Pacheco (1935-2021), musician, arranger, composer, producer, and bandleader of Cuban music, coined the term "Salsa" to denote the genre.
  • Luis Antonio Ramos (born 1973), actor, is from the Patterson Houses.
  • Nate Archibald (born 1948), former NBA player, was raised in the Patterson Houses.
  • Prince Royce (born 1989), singer, is from the Patterson Houses.

Enjoyed this article? Check out: A Brief History of Fordham Heights, NY

Our Local Office

If you or someone you love has sustained injuries from an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Trust the experienced Mott Haven, NY, personal injury lawyers to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.

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The Bronx, NY 10462
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Laurence P. Banville
Date Published: June 2, 2021
Laurence P. Banville is the managing partner of Banville Law. As an experienced personal injury attorney, Mr. Banville helps clients recover compensation from those responsible for his clients' injuries. Our firm is located in New York City, serving clients from the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
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