Yonkers' strategic location fostered its development into a major trading center, and its early settlers created a diverse community.   Yonkers was a small farm town in the 1700's but many businesses soon began to emerge: the saw mills and grist mills multiplied, land development increased, and blacksmith shops, taverns, and general stores came into being.  The waterfront still remained the key, providing pause for sloops and stagecoaches.  Innovations in travel - via both land and water - accelerated the development of the industrial era in Yonkers, and the first railroad station (built in 1848 on the site of present day Yonkers Station) contributed to more occupations and trade.

Educational Facilities:                                                                  www.greatschools.net

Public:  30 Elementary Schools, grades PreK-5;  Middle Schools, grades 6-8 are:  Commerce MS, 376-8177; Emerson MS, 376-8300; Mark Twain MS, 376-8425;   High Schools, grades 9-12 are: Gorton HS, 376-8350; Lincoln HS, 376-8400; Roosevelt HS, 376-8500; Saunders Trade & Technical HS, 376-8150.  Yonkers Middle School High School, grades 6-12, 376-8200

Recreational Facilities:  

Tibbetts Brook Park, Midland Avenue. Swimming, picnicking, hiking and fishing are among the warmer-weather activities people can enjoy here. And the park doesn't sleep during the colder weather. Sledding, skiing and ice skating are among the winter activities to be enjoyed. Westchester County park passes are required for admission. (914)965-1901.

Sprain Ridge Park, Jackson Avenue. This 270-acre park in the county's southern end boasts three swimming pools and two picnic areas. The park also has many ponds and ravines and three hiking trails with views overlooking the Sprain Ridge Reservoir. The area of woods, about a half a mile wide and three miles long, is bordered by the Sprain Brook Parkway on the East and the Gov. Thomas E. Dewey Thruway on the west. A county park pass is required for admission. (914) 478-2300.

Dunwoodie Golf Course, Yonkers Avenue. This 18-hole course is open to the public from April through the second Sunday in December. Offers a clubhouse with lockers, restaurants and halfway house, golf shop, golf professional and golf-cart rental. A driving range also is available on site and parking is free. Depending on day and time played, greens fees range from $5 to $40. County pass holders receive reduced fees. in season. (914) 476-5151.