The Bronx

The Bronx
Name	The Bronx
Settlement type	Borough of New York City
Nickname	The Boogie Down
Motto	Ne cede malis, ("Yield not to evil")
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Bronx County
Subdivision type3	City
Subdivision name3	New York City
Established title	Settled
Established date	1639
Established title2	Consolidated
Established date2	1898
Founder	Jonas Bronck
Seat type	County seat
Seat	Bronx County Courthouse
Government type	Borough
Leader title	Borough President
Leader name	Vanessa L. Gibson
Leader title1	District Attorney
Leader name1	Darcel Clark
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	57.0
Area land sq mi	42.2
Area water sq mi	14.8
Population as of	2020
Population total	1,472,654
Population density sq mi	34,920
Population rank	3rd in New York
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Race and ethnicity

The Bronx. It is the northernmost of the five boroughs comprising New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, and is the only borough located primarily on the mainland of the United States. Named for Jonas Bronck, a 17th-century Swedish-born settler, it is renowned as the birthplace of hip hop and home to the iconic New York Yankees baseball team. The borough features a diverse landscape ranging from dense urban neighborhoods to expansive green spaces like the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European colonization began with the arrival of Henry Hudson in 1609. The first European settlement was established by Jonas Bronck in 1639, and the region saw significant action during the American Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Pell's Point. Throughout the 19th century, it remained largely rural, with parts annexed by Westchester County before its consolidation into New York City in 1898. The 20th century brought massive infrastructure projects like the Grand Concourse and the Triborough Bridge, rapid urbanization, and a period of severe decline marked by events like the 1977 New York City blackout. Recent decades have witnessed significant revitalization efforts in areas such as the South Bronx.

Geography

Situated north of Manhattan and south of Westchester County, it is bordered by the Harlem River to the west, the Hudson River to the northwest, the East River to the south, and Long Island Sound to the east. Its topography is notably hilly, especially in the northwestern section around Riverdale and Fieldston, and includes the borough's highest point at Todt Hill. Major waterways include the Bronx River, which flows through the Bronx River Park, and the Hutchinson River. A significant portion of its area is dedicated to parkland, most notably the massive Pelham Bay Park.

Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, it has a population of over 1.4 million, making it the third-most populous county in New York. It is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, with a Hispanic or Latino majority, large African American and West Indian communities, and growing populations of Albanians, West Africans, and South Asians. Significant ethnic enclaves include the Little Italy of Arthur Avenue and the West African hub of Hubbard Avenue. Religious institutions like the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and the Islamic Cultural Center of North America reflect this diversity.

Economy

Key economic sectors include healthcare, education, and retail. It is a major center for the healthcare industry, anchored by the Montefiore Medical Center and the Jacobi Medical Center. Higher education institutions like Fordham University and Lehman College are significant employers. The Hunts Point Cooperative Market is one of the largest food distribution centers in the world. The borough has also seen growth in sectors like film and television production, with facilities such as Steinway Film Studios, and waterfront redevelopment projects in Port Morris aim to attract new business.

Culture and landmarks

It is globally recognized as the birthplace of hip hop music, with its origins in the 1970s at parties hosted by DJ Kool Herc in the Sedgwick Houses. Cultural institutions of national importance include the Bronx Museum of the Arts and the Bronx County Historical Society. Architectural landmarks range from the Art Deco grandeur of the Bronx County Courthouse to the naturalistic designs of the New York Botanical Garden's Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The borough is home to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium and hosts the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parade outside of Manhattan.

Government and politics

The borough is represented in the New York City Council by members from 13 council districts and sends representatives to the New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, and the United States House of Representatives. The executive branch includes the office of the Borough President, currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, and the District Attorney, Darcel Clark. It is a Democratic stronghold, with voters consistently supporting candidates from the Democratic Party in local, state, and federal elections. The Bronx Democratic County Committee is a influential political organization in local affairs.

Category:The Bronx Category:Boroughs of New York City Category:Bronx County, New York Category:Populated places established in 1639