History of New Rochelle, New York in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2024

New Rochelle, a New York City suburb in Westchester County, is situated about 17 miles from Midtown Manhattan. With a population of 79,726 as of 2020, it ranks as New York's 7th largest city and 22nd most populous municipality. Locals often call it "New Ro." A popular destination in New Rochelle is "New Roc City," known for its dining and entertainment options.

1900: Population Growth and Development

By 1900, New Rochelle's population reached 14,720, leading to the development of planned residential neighborhoods like Rochelle Park.

1909: Thanhouser Film Corporation

Edwin Thanhouser established Thanhouser Film Corporation in New Rochelle in 1909, marking an early milestone in the film industry.

1910: New Rochelle and La Rochelle Establish Friendly Relationship

The cities of New Rochelle, New York, and La Rochelle, France, initiated a "friendly relationship" in 1910.

1912: NYW&B Railway Established

The New York, Westchester and Boston Railway Company was formed to capitalize on the growing suburban population.

1913: Thanhouser Film Corporation Fire and Relocation

In 1913, the Thanhouser Film Corporation studio in New Rochelle, New York, was destroyed by a fire, prompting the company to move to a new location on Main Street near Echo Avenue.

1923: Anna Jones: A Legal Pioneer

In 1923, New Rochelle resident Anna Jones made history by becoming the first African-American woman admitted to the New York State Bar.

1926: "Queen City of the Sound"

Resident poet James J. Montague immortalized the city's charm in his 1926 poem "Queen City of the Sound".

1928: Terrytoons Studio Opens

Terrytoons animation studio opened in New Rochelle in 1928, where it would operate for four decades.

1930: New Rochelle's Prosperity

New Rochelle's population surged to 54,000 in 1930. During the 1930s, it boasted the highest per capita wealth in New York and ranked third in the nation.

1932: Council-Manager Government Adopted

New Rochelle transitioned to a Council-Manager system of government in 1932.

1937: New Rochelle 250th Anniversary Half Dollar

The "fatt calfe" was commemorated in the New Rochelle 250th Anniversary half dollar, minted in 1937.

December 31, 1937: NYW&B Service Ends

Despite efforts to expand rail service, the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway (NYW&B) ceased operations on December 31, 1937, due to insufficient growth and financial difficulties.

1968: Terrytoons Studio Closes

After 40 years in New Rochelle, the Terrytoons animation studio closed its doors in 1968.

1968: New Rochelle Mall Opens

The New Rochelle Mall opened its doors to the public in 1968.

1993: New Rochelle Police Department Accreditation

In 1993, the New Rochelle Police Department achieved accreditation from the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council.

1993: Six Council Districts Established

The City of New Rochelle implemented a system of six council districts in 1993.

2006: Japanese Weekend School

By 2006, the Japanese Weekend School of New York, with offices in New Rochelle, had grown to serve approximately 800 students across Westchester County and Long Island.

2014: Ambitious Development Projects

New Rochelle's planning board greenlit $149 million worth of developments in 2014, set to transform major sections of the city with new businesses and attractions.