For Whom the Bridge Tolls
By Alan R. Cohen
The geography has been manipulated now, but 500 years ago the Spuyten Duyvil Creek was the narrowest and shallowest water body separating the mainland from the northern end of Manhattan Island. Even so, the Europeans who first settled Manhattan and lower Westchester (now the Bronx) immediately to the north knew that crossing the Spuyten Duyvil Creek posed navigational hazards for boats and difficulties for people fording by foot.
The first English Royal Governor of the New York colony, Richard Nicholls, granted land and a patent in 1666 for a fee-based ferry service to connect Manhattan to the mainland. But New Yorkers have always hated tolls. Locals resisted using the ferry. Some tore down fences to gain free access to the creek. Other hardy souls who didn’t have their own boat or canoe chose to gingerly ford the river and swim their cattle across at low tide at a narrow point known as the Wading Place. Scofflaws, when apprehended, were fined.
As the population increased, a crossing with greater capacity than a ferry was needed. In 1693 Frederick Philipse, Lord of the Manor of Philipsburg, erected a gated wooden bridge over the Spuyten Duyvil. This toll bridge, known as the King’s Bridge and the first permanent structure to connect Manhattan to the mainland, replaced the earlier ferry service. Philipse collected tolls in the name of King William III. Everyone had to pay the toll to cross the river: farmers and merchants wanting to move livestock or goods between New York City and points north, travelers, virtually everyone. The only people exempt from paying the toll were members of the Philipse family and those in the service of the King, such as soldiers. Locals resented being forced to pay to cross the narrow creek.
The geography has been manipulated now, but 500 years ago the Spuyten Duyvil Creek was the narrowest and shallowest water body separating the mainland from the northern end of Manhattan Island. Even so, the Europeans who first settled Manhattan and lower Westchester (now the Bronx) immediately to the north knew that crossing the Spuyten Duyvil Creek posed navigational hazards for boats and difficulties for people fording by foot.
The first English Royal Governor of the New York colony, Richard Nicholls, granted land and a patent in 1666 for a fee-based ferry service to connect Manhattan to the mainland. But New Yorkers have always hated tolls. Locals resisted using the ferry. Some tore down fences to gain free access to the creek. Other hardy souls who didn’t have their own boat or canoe chose to gingerly ford the river and swim their cattle across at low tide at a narrow point known as the Wading Place. Scofflaws, when apprehended, were fined.
As the population increased, a crossing with greater capacity than a ferry was needed. In 1693 Frederick Philipse, Lord of the Manor of Philipsburg, erected a gated wooden bridge over the Spuyten Duyvil. This toll bridge, known as the King’s Bridge and the first permanent structure to connect Manhattan to the mainland, replaced the earlier ferry service. Philipse collected tolls in the name of King William III. Everyone had to pay the toll to cross the river: farmers and merchants wanting to move livestock or goods between New York City and points north, travelers, virtually everyone. The only people exempt from paying the toll were members of the Philipse family and those in the service of the King, such as soldiers. Locals resented being forced to pay to cross the narrow creek.
Some of Our Tours
Also available as a custom tour.
|
Also available as a custom tour.
|
Also available as a custom tour.
|
Also available as a custom tour.
|
A time and pace that is best for you
|
Buy now to enjoy later
|
Interview
Hear Alan Cohen's Sept. 10 interview on WVOX Radio. Alan discusses Central Park, his experiences as a tour guide and being part of Take A Walk New York, working as a docent at the Museum of the City of New York, and a fascinating story about an unofficial statue in Central Park.
About "Take a Walk New York" Tours
We are a group of New York City licensed tour guides offering a New York experience that is beyond the standard fare. Let us take you on a walk through the greatest city in the world and discover why New York is a place like no other.
