Francis Lewis Park, located in Queens, attracts visitors with winding paths, wide sloping lawns and an abundance of trees and shrubs. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists because of its various sports fields and a designated kids’ area. Learn more about the park’s history and activities at queens.name.
What existed in this place previously?
In 1645, the Dutch settled in what is now the borough of Queens, establishing the Whitestone settlement. The name was derived from the limestone rock found along the local river. The property was the estate of Francis Lewis, a prominent local merchant. During the American War of Independence, the house was the site of a British raid. In that same year, the British troops invaded Long Island, burning down Lewis’ property in Whitestone and capturing his wife. Although she was later freed in a prisoner exchange, the suffering she went through severely impacted her health, leading to her passing in 1779.
During the late 1800s, numerous affluent residents of NYC started constructing mansions in the area, which was previously farmland and forest. By the 1920s, Whitestone experienced significant growth with the introduction of railroad and trolley services. In 1939, the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, a suspension bridge, was completed and opened to traffic over the East River.
In 1802, George L. Smith, a farmer and boarding house owner, acquired the Lewis property. He was a farmer and boarding house owner who also ran a bathhouse. Smith also owned the waterfront in the late 1800s. The Smith family held onto the property until 1930 when it was briefly transferred to Edwin H. Brown.
When did this area transform into a park?
In 1937, the city acquired Brown’s property to create the park. Back then, Whitestone’s shoreline was lined with various maritime businesses and a handful of grand mansions. Many maps depicted the upper section of the East River as part of Long Island Sound due to its wide expanse and abundance of bays and peninsulas.
Back in 1992, the park’s waterfront, observation deck and embankments underwent reconstruction to address erosion issues and enhance the river views. In 2019, the government allocated two million dollars to renovate Francis Lewis Park. The money was spent on repairing pathways and improving the park entrance.
Who is the landmark named after?
This park pays tribute to Francis Lewis, an early American merchant, patriot and one of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Lewis was born in Llandaff, Wales, UK. He was orphaned at a young age. After receiving an education as a merchant in London, he relocated to the U.S. In 1745, Lewis tied the knot to Elizabeth Annesley, the sister of his business partner. They had seven children, but, as was common at the time, only three survived into adulthood.
Lewis built a thriving trading business in NYC and Philadelphia, supplying essential supplies to British troops during the French and Indian War. In 1756, he was captured by the French and held as a prisoner of war for seven years. As a form of reparation, the British authorities awarded Lewis five thousand acres of land in New York City. Having amassed a considerable fortune, he retired from trading in 1765 and relocated to Whitestone.
Lewis’s political career started in 1774. He was a part of the Continental Congress between 1775 and 1779. He also played a role in the Committee of Sixty, formed in 1775 in NYC by rebels to enforce a boycott of British goods.
Lewis was among the signatories of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This significant historic document marked the moment when the British colonies in North America declared their independence from Great Britain. It was the first official document to refer to the colonies as the ‘United States of America.’ The date of its adoption, July 4, is celebrated in the U.S. as Independence Day.
Lewis was a member of the Secret Committee and Marine Committee during the War of Independence. Later in life, he served as a vestryman for Trinity Church, NYC.
Activities to enjoy
The park has some great winding paths that lead to two scenic spots, each with benches and game tables. You can enjoy incredible views of the bridge and the East River from both locations. In the mid-twentieth century, the scenery from here was exceptionally stunning, but since then, numerous trees have grown up, obstructing the once clear view.
The park features a playground with spray showers for kids, often used by local wedding photographers for beautiful photo shoots. Additionally, there are handball courts, a wading pool, swings, slides and a sand pit.
The park’s vast grounds, numerous sports fields and wide range of activities have made it a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. Take stunning photos at sunset and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the park. Bring your family and friends to loud concerts and spend all night dancing under the stars. Many people living near the park come here to jog, sunbathe, walk their dogs, or just read a book.