4SS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



property was known as Old Morrisania. Afterwards Melrose, Mott 

 Haven, Woodstock, Eltona, and other places arose on the old domain, 

 until now it is the thickly populated Twenty-third Ward of New York." a 



Mott Haven was named after the late Jordan L. Mott, Esq., who did 

 more than any other man to build up Morrisania. It is now very 

 thickly settled ; here is established the extensive iron foundry which 

 has done so much to create a large business centre around it, still 

 owned by a son of the former Jordan L. Mottt, Esq. Adjoining the 

 foundry is the celebrated Harlem bridge, which communicates with 

 North New York and the Island. This bridge, which was nearly six 

 years in building was opened about 1867 for the general transit of 

 foot-passengers and vehicles. The act authorizing its construction was 

 passed on the 17th of April, 1857, the words of which stipulated that it 

 should be commenced " as soon as the Commissioners thought it neces- 

 sary;" and about the latter end of November, i860, the board in 

 question thought it was nearly time to begin, and the work was taken 

 in hand at that date. 



From the water on the upper side, it looks remarkably well. The 

 engineer in charge was Mr. Erastus Smith, who had the charge of the 

 ram Dunderberg, and he was assisted in the work by Mr. Ethan 

 Rogers. 



Prior to the erection of the old wooden bridge, there appears to have 

 been a fording place between the two shores; for, upon the nth of Oc- 

 tober, 1666, Governor Nicolls granted "certain saw mills to Thomas 

 Delaval, John Vervelen and Daniel Turner, &c, lying over against 

 Verchers or Hogg Island, in the Sound, where a passage hath been 

 made to ford over fro?n this island to the maine.'' b 



Governor Dongan's patent for Haarlem, 16S6, recites the following: 



" And whereas the town lies very commodious for a ferry to and from 

 the maine, which may redown tu the particular benefit of the inhabi- 

 tants as well to general good. The freeholders and inhabitants of said 

 town should, in consideration of the benefits and priveleges therein 

 granted, as also for what advantage might accrue thereby, be enjoyned 

 and obliged, at their proper costs and charge, to build and provide one 

 or more boats fit for the transportation of men, horse or cattle, for which, 

 a certain allowance was to be given by each particular person," &c. c 



Sometime in 1759, Benjamin Palmer of Great Minnieford or City 



a New York in the Olden Times, by J. Barnitz Bacon. 



b Harlem Conveyances, p. 6. 



c Harlem Conveyances, p. 7. Opposite to Mott Haven, on the Harlem aide of the River, was 

 what was termed Hie ■« Middle Road," ai the extremity of which was " ( lole's Bridge " after- 

 wards known ;is *■ Harlem Bridge;' 1 while a Utile from the line of First Avenne, was tho 

 "O.d llurlem Road," at the foot, of which was the before mentioned Fvvry.— Editor. 



