Travis Triangle facts for kids

Travis Triangle is a small, green park in the Murray Hill and Flushing areas of Queens, New York City. It's a special spot because it's shaped like a triangle, formed where two streets, Murray Street and Murray Lane, separate. These streets were named after the Murray family. This family owned land in this area from the late 1700s until the early 1800s.

What is Travis Triangle?

In 1932, the city leaders of New York decided to name this park Travis Triangle. They did this to honor a local hero named Ira Underhill Travis. He was a veteran of the American Civil War. A veteran is someone who served in the military.

Who Was Ira Travis?

Ira Underhill Travis was born in 1839 and passed away in 1921. During the Civil War, he fought under the name Ira Wilson. He was part of the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group was also known as Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth’s Zouaves. Zouaves were soldiers known for their colorful uniforms and unique marching style.

Travis's War Story

Travis was involved in an important event at the Marshall House Inn. This happened when the Union Army took over Alexandria, Virginia. His commander was killed after taking down a Confederate flag. Travis bravely kept a piece of this flag as a souvenir for his family. Later, in July 1861, Travis was shot in the shoulder. This happened during the First Battle of Manassas. The bullet stayed in his shoulder for the rest of his life. After he passed away, Ira Travis was buried at Flushing Cemetery.

How the Park Was Formed

In 1928, the subway system reached Flushing. This helped the neighborhood grow a lot, especially to the north and east. As more people moved in, new parks were needed. Some pieces of land were too small to build houses or other large buildings. Travis Triangle was one of these small areas. So, these tiny spots were turned into green spaces. The city's Parks Department takes care of them.

Exploring Travis Triangle Today

Today, Travis Triangle is a peaceful place. It has plots for 24 trees. There is also a bench on its northern side where you can sit and relax. If you continue north, Murray Lane becomes narrower. It starts to look like a quiet countryside road. This part of the lane has not changed much. It still looks similar to how it did when the area was farmland, even though the neighborhood around it has grown into a busy residential area over many years.