Mount Kisco: A Story Woven Through Time
From its humble beginnings as a farming settlement to the vibrant hub it is today, Mount Kisco’s history is a tapestry of resilience, growth, and community spirit. Dive into the stories of the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped our town. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, this journey through time will reveal the rich heritage that makes Mount Kisco truly special. Ready to explore the past that built our present? Let’s step back in time!
Honoring the Lenape: The First Stewards of This Land
We recognize that Mount Kisco exists on the ancestral homelands of the Lenape people, the “true men” of the Algonquin Confederacy, who lived in this area for thousands of years. As part of the Algonquin Nation, the Lenape thrived in the Hudson Valley as skilled farmers, hunters, and caretakers of the land, cultivating corn, beans, and squash, fishing in local waters, and passing down traditions through storytelling. They fished in the Kisco River, hunted in the dense forests, and lived in harmony with the land, their deep knowledge shaping the landscape we know today. Even the name *Kisco* is believed to stem from the Native word *Cisqua*, meaning "muddy place," a lasting reminder of their presence.
We acknowledge the painful history of dispossession and forced removal that disrupted their way of life, and we honor their resilience, wisdom, and enduring cultural contributions. It is our responsibility to recognize and respect the Lenape people’s deep connection to this land, both past and present, and to ensure their history is remembered as an integral part of Mount Kisco’s story.
MOUNT KISCO
A Story of Transformation Through Time
From Wilderness to Settlement
In 1702, change arrived in the form of a land purchase known as the "West Patent." Nearly 6,000 acres, including what is now Mount Kisco, were sold by the Native Americans to European settlers. A small community soon took root near the Kisco River, where Leonard Park stands today. By the mid-18th century, a gristmill harnessed the river’s power, and a church rose beside a newly dammed pond—its cemetery still marking the land where it once stood.
As the settlement expanded, distinct hamlets formed. To the east, near present-day Northern Westchester Hospital, lay *New Castle Corners*, a quiet crossroads. To the north, a businessman named Caleb Kirby acquired land in 1791, including the local mill and pond. His growing community became known as *Kirbyville*.
The Railroad That Changed Everything
For decades, Mount Kisco remained a collection of small, scattered settlements—until the railroad arrived in 1847. The tracks were laid through the valley, bypassing the established hubs of New Castle Corners and Kirbyville. With transportation now centered along the railroad, people followed. Businesses, homes, and community life shifted toward what would become the heart of modern Mount Kisco.
It was here, at the base of Kisco Mountain, that the town found its name. In 1848, as residents gathered to christen their growing village, a farmer named Stephen Wood stood and declared, "I live yonder beyond Kisco Mountain. When I drive down to the depot, I always admire that noble hill. Could we do better than to call our village Mount Kisco?" The name was adopted, and a new chapter in the town’s history began.
A Village, Then a Town
Mount Kisco officially became a village on June 1, 1875, but with a unique challenge—it straddled two towns: Bedford and New Castle. This division caused confusion over taxes, services, and governance for more than a century. Finally, in 1978, the community took control of its own destiny, becoming the independent Town/Village of Mount Kisco —a rare distinction in New York State.
Moments That Shaped the Town
Mount Kisco has always been a town of transformation, often shaped by forces beyond its control. In 1894, a significant portion of the town was claimed by New York City under eminent domain, protecting the watershed that feeds its growing reservoir system. Entire buildings and neighborhoods were lost, forcing residents and businesses to relocate.
Then, in the mid-1950s, another major shift occurred. The railroad crossings on Main Street and South Street were deemed unsafe and replaced with bridge overpasses, while the crossing at Lexington Avenue (now Britton Lane) was closed. Once again, buildings were demolished, roads were rerouted, and the town adapted.
The Urban Renewal Era
In the 1960s, Mount Kisco launched a major urban renewal effort to modernize nearly 97 acres along Kisco Avenue and North Bedford Road. Led by Mayor J. Edward Fox, the plan prioritized new housing before redevelopment, ensuring displaced residents had homes. With federal, state, and local funding, the $9 million project transformed the area—railroad grade crossings were eliminated, roads and drainage were improved, and outdated buildings gave way to new commercial and industrial developments. By 1977, much of the work was complete, shaping the Mount Kisco we know today.
A Town That Continues to Grow
From its ancient peaks to its ever-evolving streets, Mount Kisco is a town built on change. It has witnessed the rise and fall of industries, the shifting of communities, and the relentless march of progress. But through it all, it has remained a place of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted history—a town that continues to write its story, one chapter at a time.