Westchester Square, Bronx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westchester Square
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Neighborhood of the Bronx
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The front door to the historic Huntington Free Library on Lane Avenue
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| City |  New York City |
| Borough |  The Bronx |
| Community District | Bronx 10 |
| Economics | |
| ZIP Codes |
10461, 10462
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| Area code | 718, 347, 929, and 917 |
Westchester Square is a lively neighborhood located in the eastern part of the Bronx, a borough of New York City. It's a place where people live and work, with a unique history. The main roads that run through this area are East Tremont Avenue, Westchester Avenue, and Williamsbridge Road.
This neighborhood is part of Bronx Community Board 10. It uses the ZIP Codes 10461 and 10462. The local police department, the 45th Precinct of the New York City Police Department, helps keep the area safe.
Contents
Exploring the History of Westchester Square
How Westchester Square Began
Westchester Square was first settled around 1654. English settlers from the New Haven Colony moved here, buying land from Native Americans. They followed the Westchester Creek to the area where the Square is today. The Dutch called the settlement Oostdorp, meaning "East Towne," but the English settlers called it Westchester.
Early Challenges and Growth
In 1655, there was a conflict between the Dutch and Native Americans. The Dutch thought the settlers of Oostdorp were causing trouble. Because of this, Peter Stuyvesant, a Dutch leader, ordered their removal in March 1656. Many settlers were taken prisoner to New Amsterdam, which is now New York City. They were held on a ship and faced difficult conditions. Soon after, the settlers agreed to follow Dutch laws. They were then allowed to stay in Westchester. The town started with about 25 men and 10 to 12 women.
Westchester Square as a Village Center
Westchester Square was the main center for the Town of Westchester until 1895. That's when the town became part of the larger New York City. Even today, the Square still feels like a village. Owen Dolen Park, which used to be the village green, is now a key part of the community. You can still see many old homes from the 1800s, including some beautiful Victorian houses. The Huntington Free Library and Reading Room is also a historic building on the west side of the Square. In 1920, the subway came to Westchester Square, making it easier for people to travel.
Improving the Community: The BID
In 2012, the Westchester Square BID (Business Improvement District) was officially created. This group helps improve the shopping area. Local business owners and landlords pay a special tax to the city. This money is used to patrol the area and promote local shops.
Who Lives in Westchester Square?
The government groups Westchester Square with other neighborhoods like Van Nest and Morris Park for counting people. In 2010, about 29,250 people lived in this larger area. The community is very diverse, with people from many different backgrounds. This includes White, African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander residents. Many people in the area also identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Keeping Westchester Square Safe
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) helps keep Westchester Square safe from fires. Squad 61/Battalion 20 is the fire station that serves the area. It is located on Williamsbridge Road.
Mail and Libraries in Westchester Square
Post Office and ZIP Codes
Westchester Square has two main ZIP Codes: 10461 and 10462. The United States Postal Service has a post office called Westchester Station on Ponton Avenue, where you can send and receive mail.
Local Libraries
Westchester Square is home to two important libraries:
- The Huntington Free Library and Reading Room is a special library that doesn't let you check out books. It's one of the oldest libraries in the Bronx, opening in the 1890s. It has a unique collection of books and photos about the history of the Bronx.
- The New York Public Library (NYPL) also has a branch in Westchester Square on Glebe Avenue. This library opened in 1937 and moved to its current spot in 1956. It's a circulating library, meaning you can borrow books and other materials.
Parks and Fun in Westchester Square
Owen Dolen Park
Owen Dolen Park is a great place to relax and play. It's located near Westchester Avenue, Lane Avenue, and Williamsbridge Road. The park was recently updated and reopened in June 2013. The renovations cost $4.72 million and started in September 2011. The park is named after Owen Dolen, a local teacher who passed away in 1925. He died after giving a speech at the Square to honor soldiers from the neighborhood who fought in World War I.
Pearly Gates Playground
The Pearly Gates Playground is a fun spot for kids. Its name comes from the idea of "pearly gates" in Christian stories, which are said to be the entrance to Heaven. The playground is named this because it's located on St. Peter’s Avenue. It first opened in 1952 and was called the Westchester Playground until 1998.
Getting Around Westchester Square
Subway Stations
Westchester Square is served by the New York City Subway. You can catch the train at these stations:
- East Tremont Avenue (6 <6> trains)
- Zerega Avenue (6 <6> trains)
Bus Routes
Many MTA bus routes also serve Westchester Square, making it easy to travel around the Bronx and beyond:
- Bx4: Travels to Westchester Square (6 <6>) or Third Avenue–149th Street (2 5 trains).
- Bx4A: Goes to Westchester Square (6 train) or Simpson Street (2 5 trains).
- Bx8: Connects to Williamsbridge or Locust Point.
- Bx21: Travels to Third Avenue–138th Street.
- Bx24: Goes to Country Club or Hutchinson Metro Center.
- Bx31: Connects to Woodlawn.
- Bx40/Bx42: Travels to Throggs Neck or Morris Heights.
Images for kids
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Looking west bound on the Westchester Square platform with St. Peter's church in the distance.
