Скачать или смотреть Pre-Colonial Era - 17th Century: The area that is now Yonkers was originally inhabited by the Lenap

Pre-Colonial Era - 17th Century:

The area that is now Yonkers was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, specifically the Unami division. They called the area "Schachamaxon," meaning "the extreme end." Their subsistence was based on agriculture, fishing, and hunting.

The Dutch West India Company began colonizing the area in the early 17th century. Adriaen van der Donck, a lawyer and one of the first Europeans to describe New Netherland, was granted a land patent in 1645 encompassing roughly 24,000 acres. He built a saw mill near the confluence of the Nepperhan River (now Saw Mill River) and the Hudson River, giving him the moniker "The Jonkheer," a Dutch title meaning "young gentleman." This title was eventually Anglicized to "Yonkers," giving the area its name.

17th - 18th Centuries: The Philipses and Colonial Development:

After van der Donck’s death, the land was acquired by Frederick Philipse in 1672. Philipse was a wealthy merchant who expanded his holdings, ultimately establishing Philipsburg Manor, a vast estate encompassing much of present-day Westchester County, including Yonkers. He constructed the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow and the Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers, completed around 1682, which served as the family's primary residence and a center of local governance.

Philipse, a Loyalist, had his property confiscated by the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. The manor was divided and sold to various individuals, marking the end of the Philipsburg Manor system.

19th Century: Industrialization and Growth:

Yonkers experienced significant growth in the 19th century, fueled by industrialization. The introduction of the railroad in 1849 dramatically improved access to New York City, stimulating population growth and economic activity.

Elisha Graves Otis established the Otis Elevator Company in Yonkers in 1853, transforming the city into a manufacturing center for elevators. The company's presence spurred further industrial development, attracting skilled laborers and contributing to the city's diversification.

Other industries flourished, including carpet manufacturing (Alexander Smith & Sons Carpet Company), hat making, and various metalworking enterprises. Yonkers was incorporated as a village in 1855 and as a city in 1872.

Late 19th - Early 20th Centuries: Immigration and Urban Development:

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a surge in immigration to Yonkers, primarily from Europe. This influx of immigrants contributed to the city's burgeoning population and its evolving social and cultural landscape.

Yonkers developed distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and ethnic composition. Public transportation systems were expanded to accommodate the growing population and facilitate movement within the city.

The construction of significant public buildings, such as City Hall and the Yonkers Public Library, reflected the city's increasing importance and its commitment to civic improvement. The Hudson River waterfront became an important transportation hub.

Mid-20th Century: Post-War Era and Social Challenges:

Following World War II, Yonkers, like many American cities, experienced suburbanization as residents migrated to the surrounding areas. Manufacturing declined, leading to economic challenges.

The city faced social and racial tensions. In the 1980s, Yonkers became the subject of a landmark desegregation lawsuit concerning housing and school segregation. A federal court mandated the construction of public housing in predominantly white areas of the city.

Late 20th - 21st Centuries: Revitalization and Contemporary Yonkers:

Yonkers has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent decades. The city has focused on redeveloping its waterfront, attracting new businesses, and promoting cultural tourism.

The construction of the Science Barge, a floating environmental education center, and the establishment of a vibrant arts scene have contributed to Yonkers' renewed vitality. Efforts to address social and economic disparities continue.

Yonkers' proximity to New York City, combined with its diverse population and its commitment to revitalization, positions it as a significant city in the New York metropolitan area. The city's economy is now more diverse, including healthcare, education, and service industries. Development continues along the waterfront and in the downtown area.