It was originally part of Manhattan Island. Then it became an island in the Harlem river in 1895 due to the Harlem Ship Canal. Finally, it became connected to the Bronx by filling landfill into the space in the river between Marble Hill and the Bronx in 1914.

Also, fun fact: the Bronx is the only NYC borough that is connected to the mainland United States.

Roosevelt Island is also technically a part of Manhattan

I live 10 blocks from marble hill, small world

Another fun fact, it’s got that 1 train overhead making a lot of noise all day long! I lived there for a couple of years—the noise pollution is oppressive.

So why didn't they just build the canal in the area between the Bronx and marble hill?

Thanks!

That was a nice read.