Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Jamaica, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Jamaica, New York, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Jamaica, New York, USA.
About Jamaica
Jamaica is a middle-class neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 12, which also includes Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Baisley Pond Park, Rochdale Village, and South Jamaica. Jamaica is patrolled by the NYPD's 103rd, 113th & 105th Precincts.
It was settled under Dutch rule in 1656 in New Netherland as Rustdorp. Under British rule, Jamaica became the center of the "Town of Jamaica". Jamaica was the county seat of Queens County from the formation of the county in 1683 until March 7, 1788, when the town was reorganized by the state government and the county seat was moved to Mineola (now part of Nassau County). In 1814, Jamaica became the first incorporated village on Long Island. When Queens was incorporated into the City of Greater New York in 1898, both the Town of Jamaica and the Village of Jamaica were dissolved, but the neighborhood of Jamaica regained its role as county seat...
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to JAMAICA

I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup
Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug
Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic
Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup
Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!
Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors
Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!
Discover Jamaica: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Jamaica through the years.
Jamaica, a neat post-village in the above town: hip, on the Long Island railroad, 12 miles E. from Brooklyn. It contains 5 or 6 churches, 2 academies or seminaries, 2 newspaper offices, and many fine residences, some of which are occupied by persons doing business in New York city.
Among the killed were two women and an infant. The cause of the accident was a broken rail. Among the passengers killed are WM. C. RUSHMORE, President of the Atlantic Bank of Brooklyn, and P. SHANAHAN, a railroad contractor.
Among the injured is MR. CRAIG, of this city, badly cut about the head, and hip dislocated.
Another account says there were fifteen passengers in the last car which was broken to splinters, and eight passengers killed. The brakeman, GEO. VAN NOSTRAND, was killed, as was a child named ADAMS. The parents of the latter were terribly injured and cannot...
New York, May 12. - Of 26 young people who started from College Point, L.I., last night on what is locally known as a “starlight ride” two were carried home this morning dead, five are in the hospital after having their wounds dressed, and every one of the remainder was more or less bruised. A collision with a trolley car caused the accident. The dead are:
MICHAEL SCHNEIDER.
JOSEPH PICKEL.
The merry-makers were on their way to a hotel ten miles away, where they were to have had a dance. All were in one wagon, the bottom of which had been filled with straw. It was almost midnight when they reached Distler’s hotel, on the edge of Jamaica. When in front of the house the driver of the wagon tried to cross the tracks of a trolley line in front of an approaching car, but the car struck the rear end of the wagon. The vehicle was demolished. Pickel was...
Several persons were hurt in the two suburban collisions. One occurred just west of Dunton, near Jamaica. Electric train 1,716, in charge of Motorman PETER GEE and Conductor FRANK OLSSEN, bound to Jamaica from the Pennsylvania Terminal in Manhattan, ran into Locomotive 12 in charge of Engineer LONG, which was backing out of the railroad repair shops at Morris Park. The motorman did not see the engine until it was a few feet away, and then could not stop. None of the passengers in the electric train was injured. The tender of the engine was derailed, blocking traffic for an hour. L. GAUIAGLO of 170 Morris Avenue, Morris Park, a railroad employee, was walking beside the engine when the crash occurred. He was placed on a train and taken to St. John's Hospital in...
Located in Rufus King Park, the King Manor Museum is a historic house museum that provides a glimpse into the life of Rufus King, a prominent figure in the early history of the United States. The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs that showcase the history of the area.
2. Rufus King Park:
Adjacent to the King Manor Museum, Rufus King Park is a beautiful green space where you can relax, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll. The park features a playground, basketball courts, and a splash pad, making it a great spot for families.
3. Jamaica Colosseum Mall:
For shopping enthusiasts, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall is a popular destination. It houses a variety of stores, including clothing shops, jewelry stores, and eateries. It's a fantastic place to find unique fashion items and enjoy some local cuisine.
4. Prospect Cemetery:
For those interested in history and the macabre, Prospect Cemetery is a notable stop. It's one of the ...
Discover YOUR Roots: Jamaica Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Jamaica through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jamaica, New York, USA
We currently have information about 15 ancestors who were born or died in Jamaica.
View ancestors by year of birthAncestors Who Were Married in Jamaica, New York, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Jamaica.
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