The History of Mount Vernon, NY

The information in this article is sponsored by the personal injury lawyers in Mount Vernon, NY, from Banville Law.

History

Taking its name from George Washington's plantation located in Virginia, Mount Vernon is a city in Westchester County, New York. Both the Hutchinson and the Bronx Rivers neighbor this city. It was once farmland to settlers from Connecticut in 1664.
In the 1960s, the city would be divisive on the topic of segregation. With many African Americans moving north in hopes of a better life and education, the town split on how to respond. North of the New Haven Line railroad tracks became the predominantly white neighborhood leaving the newcomers to populate the south.

Geography

Mount Vernon is the third-largest city and the most densely populated in Westchester County, and the eighth-most populous in the state. Broken down into four major sections, the city includes the following neighborhoods:

• Mount Vernon Heights
• North Side
• South Side
• Downtown

Despite many failed attempts to revamp the downtown area, it remains the same as it did forty years ago. The main highlights include:

• The Avenue - a shopping district on Gramatan and Fourth Avenues
• Petrillo Plaza
• Saint Paul's Church Historic Site
• Ice Cold Performing Arts
• Mt. Vernon City Hall

The town's elevation is 235 feet at City Hall, and at night and during clear days, the lights from the Throgs Neck Bridge can be seen from up to ten miles away. Mount Vernon Heights has been referenced as the rolling hills of homes due to its elevated terrain.

Demographics

In stats from 2019, the household income median was $59,907, and the population was 67,345. Mount Vernon has the most prominent West Indian and West African population in the County and a very progressive Brazilian community. Their racial makeup breaks down into the following:

• 65.8% African American
• 36.6% White
• 0.6% Native American
• 16.2 % Hispanic or Latino
• 2% Asian
• 0% Pacific Islander
• 3% Two or more races

Economy

From 2000 and 2006, Mount Vernon had a growth spurt of 20.5%, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. This is due to the transition from a suburban town with small shops to regional commerce.
The three largest employers of residents in the city include the following:

• the Mount Vernon city school district
• Michael Anthony Jewelers
• Mount Vernon Hospital

Recreation

On the border of Fleetwood -Chester Heights rests a county preserve full of hiking trails known as Hunt's Woods. The city offers many parks, most owned by either the town or the County of Westchester, including the following:

• Hartley Park
• Wilson Woods Park
• Memorial Field
• Brush Park
• Eddie Williams Park
• Union Park
• Guttenberg Park

Continue reading our next article: Learn About North Riverdale in New York

Our Local Office

If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries caused by an accident, our legal team at Banville Law wants to assist you in fighting for compensation. Our Mount Vernon, NY, personal injury lawyers can provide you with legal guidance by scheduling your free consultation today.

Banville Law
11 W Prospect Ave #37,
Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA
(914) 825-4117