History of Mount Vernon, New York, USA

1854 - Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, a post-office of Westchester co., New York.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1878 - Incendiaries At Work. A Costly Building Burned At Mount Vernon.
Destruction By Fire of Cornelius Corson's Forty-Thousand Dollar Barn-An Extravagant Building In Ashes.

A very large and costly barn on the property, a quarter of a mile north of the depot at Mount Vernon, formerly owned and occupied by Cornelius Corson, who was one of the prosperous associates of Tweed was burned to the ground yesterday morning, with all it's contents, except a few articles of small value that were saved. The property is in charge of Edward Carroll, who occupies the dwelling nearby, with is family, to guard the building against fire. The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary, but when it was discovered it had made to much headway to permit its origin to be ascertained. There were three dogs on the premises-one in the house, one outdoors, and a large and sagacious old fellow, named Leo, in the barn. At 1:30 A.M. Carroll was roused by the barking of Leo, and on looking out he saw that nearly the whole of the north end of the barn was in flames. Carroll... Read MORE...

1895 - Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, a post-village of Westchester co., N.Y., in Eastchester township, on the Bronx River, and on the New York & Harlem Railroad and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 15 miles N.N.E. of New York. It contains 5 churches, a bank, several schools, and a news paper office. Pop. in 1890, 10,830.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1896 - A Midnight Fire at Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon, N.Y., Feb. 22.-A fire occurred this morning before daylight in the row of one-story wooden buildings fronting on Depot Place, which caused damage amounting to $3,000. It is supposed the fire was of incendiary origin. Max Jacobs of 80 Chrystie Street, New-York City, was arrested and held for a hearing Monday. Jacobs was arrested soon after the fire was discovered, while on his way to Harlem Railroad station. Jacobs said he arrived in Mount Vernon on the New-York, New-Haven and Hartford Railroad shortly after midnight, and had come to visit Isaac Kleinbaum, a glazier, but he had not found him at home. Kleinbaum occupied the store in which the fire is thought to have originated, and usually slept in the back room. Jacobs used to work for Kleinbaum, it is said.

The fire burned out Michael George's barber's shop, Henry Wendler's news store, Kleinbaum's shop, and empty store, and damaged John H. Murphy's real estate office. The buildings are owned by E.J. Lucas.

There... Read MORE...

1900 - EXPLOSION AT MOUNT VERNON - Station Destroyed by Flames Which Follow, and Station Agent Injured.
COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERS FLEE

There Automobiles Imperilled by the Fire, Hotel Keeper to the Rescue—Company Sends an Old Car to Do Duty at a Depot, Decorated with Chalk Sign Writing.

Mount Vernon, N. Y., June 4.—The station of the Harlem River branch of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad at Baychester, Borough fo the Bronx, was wrecked yesterday by an explosion which set it on fire, and the agent Edward Whitehead was carried out of the ruins very badly burned.

In some manner unexplained three barrels of gasoline which were in the freight rooms in the rear of the ticket office became ignited about 1 o’clock and exploded with a force that shook and exploded with a force that shook all of the buildings in the neighborhood. The gasoline was consigned to the Westchester Country Club for use in the launches and automobiles.

There were no passengers in the waiting room at the time of the explosion, but outside the station James M. Waterbury and his son Montague, and Mr. and... Read MORE...

1904 - Noise At Mount Vernon Saves Its Citizens - Firemen and Police Arouse Citizens to Peril of Gas
Commuters' Cold Breakfasts

Accident to Main Threatens People With Asphyxiation, But Strenuous Measures Drive People Out of Doors.

Special to the New York Times.

Mount Vernon, April 18. - After its night of wild alarms Mount Vernon arose to cold breakfast and a census-taking. It didn't wake up, for it hadn't been asleep. Its fire engines, which had spent the hours of darkness charging about the streets, whistles blowing and gongs clanging, and its police, whose clubs had known no rest, had seen to that. It didn't boil coffee nor did it cook eggs. Its gas wasn't turned on. It counted noses, found nobody had been asphyxiated, ate what it could, and rendered thanks.

"I guess nobody has any kick coming, even if there wasn't any gas to get breakfast with," said Gilbert Angevine, Chief of the Fire Department and head deputy of the Street Commissioner's Office. "Mount Vernon is a neighborly place. Everybody in town had rather be kept awake all night than to know that a human life ... Read MORE...

1906
Mount Vernon, a residential city of Westchester co., N.Y., on the Bronx River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. and the Harlem division of the New York Central and Hudson River R., 15 miles NNE. of the Grand Central Station in New York city. It has grown up from a small village within the space of fifty years. Pop. in 1900, 20,346.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1910 - DRAWN UNDER CAR WHEELS - Suction of Swift Train Carries Bystander to His Death.
Special to The Washington Post

NEW YORK, April 22. - Walter A. Seymour, a Manhattan salesman, who lived near Mount Vernon, was killed by an electric train at the Mount Vernon station this evening.

He was waiting for a local train to go to Pelham, when and express came along on the local track. Mr. Seymour, it is said, was standing close to the edge of the platform. The suction of the train as it rushed by drew him under the wheels and he was ground to death.
The Washington Post
Washington, D.C.
April 23, 1910

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Mount Vernon:
Hutchinson Field: If you enjoy outdoor activities, Hutchinson Field is a great spot. You can have a picnic, play sports, or simply take a leisurely walk. It's a popular place for both locals and visitors.

St. Paul's Church National Historic Site: Delve into history by visiting St. Paul's Church, a National Historic Site. This church played a role in the American Revolution and has a cemetery with graves dating back to the 18th century.

Wilson Woods Park: This is a fantastic park for families. It has playgrounds, walking trails, and even a pool for the summer months. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Mount Vernon Public Library: If you're a book lover, the Mount Vernon Public Library is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon. Check out their events calendar, as they often host interesting talks and activities.

Fleetwood Farmers' Market: If you happen to be in Mount Vernon on a weekend, check out the Fleetwood Farmers' Market. You'll find fresh produce,... Read MORE...