DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Northeastern Queens: Bayside
Bayside is an upperclass neighborhood in Northern Queens. This area was settled by the Matinecock Native American tribe back in 2000 B.C. It wasn’t until the late 17th century that it was taken over by English settlers, who named the area Bayside in 1798. In the 1920’s a rumor that a major studio was going to be built in Bayside, saw an influx of actors lead by Rudolph Valentino into the area. When the studio never materialized, most left to Hollywood, California.
Pictured is the Bayside Long Island Rail Road Station located off of Bell Boulevard. A railroad has run here since 1866, but it didn’t officially become part of the the LIRR’s Port Washington Branch until 1896.
Bayside is home to the reigning 2014 New York City Public High School Basketball Champions Cardozo High School Judges.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.