The streets our students walk today have witnessed centuries of history—from Indigenous communities and colonial ferries to Revolutionary War heroes and the Godwin family that inspired our school's name.
Long before streets and buildings existed, the land surrounding today's P.S. 207 was home to Indigenous peoples. Archaeological discoveries—including arrowheads and other artifacts—suggest this area once supported a thriving Native village overlooking the Spuyten Duyvil Creek.
Before there was a bridge, travelers crossed the creek by ferry. This small crossing connected what is now the Bronx with Manhattan and became one of the area's most important transportation routes.
Frederick Philipse built the first King's Bridge and received permission to collect tolls from travelers crossing between Manhattan and the mainland. The bridge ultimately gave the neighborhood its name—Kingsbridge.
One of the busiest taverns in colonial New York stood where the Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins sits today. Travelers ate, slept, traded stories—and even complained! One visitor described the noisy tavern much like someone writing a bad Yelp review today.
During the Revolutionary War, King's Bridge became one of the most strategic crossings in New York. One local tavern owner, John Cock, secretly worked on behalf of the British and was involved in an attempt to recover the head of the statue of King George III after it was pulled down following the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
After the Revolution, wealthy merchant and General Alexander Macomb purchased the property. His family built flour mills powered by the Harlem River, helping fuel New York City's growing economy.
oseph Godwin built a beautiful Victorian mansion on the property. As New York City expanded around it, the mansion remained a local landmark for many years. Today the site is home to Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins. Most people pass by without realizing that beneath the pavement lies centuries of history that helped shape New York City. Our school proudly carries the name The Godwin Terrace School in honor of this important chapter in our neighborhood's history.
Did you know...
⭐ Kingsbridge is one of New York City's oldest neighborhoods.
⭐ The bridge gave our neighborhood its name.
⭐ Native Americans once harvested oysters in the creek nearby.
⭐ Revolutionary soldiers marched through this very area.
⭐ Archaeologists discovered Native American artifacts beneath the modern-day intersection.
⭐ A Victorian mansion once stood just blocks from P.S. 207.
