Yonkers is located just outside of the city of New York, about 2 miles north of the city of Manhattan. It is considered to be the most populated city in Westchester County and the 4th most inhabited city in New York State with a population of about 195,976. The most populated cities within New York State are Buffalo, Rochester and New York.
Situated within Yonkers are some attractions, such as the Sherwood House, the Hudson River Museum, Cross County Shopping Center, the Science Barge, Ridge Hill Shopping Center, and Yonkers Raceway. The raceway just renovated in the year 2006, adding legalized video slot machine gambling and revitalizing its' grounds and clubhouse. There are several shopping places located throughout Central Park Avenue, which is usually known as "Central Ave" by the people who reside there.
During the latter part of the 1640's, the city's history starts when Adriaen Van der Donck got a land grant form the Dutch East India Company. On the location where the Nepperhan Creek intersects the Hudson River, Van der Donck constructed one of the region's first saw mills. Van der Donck was lovingly referred to as Jonk Herr, which translates to young nobleman. Later, his land became known as "Jonk Heer's land." The phrase developed into "the Younckers" and then lastly into Yonkers. Because of it's centralized site, Yonkers rapidly established itself as a major trading hub. During the city's early history it was mainly an agricultural community, but it's waterfront location quickly led to innovations in travel, that in turn accelerated the establishment of different businesses all around Yonkers. There are some times throughout history where Yonkers played a major part in hat and carpet manufacturing. Additionally, it was the site of the globe's very first elevated mass transit system. Yonkers was first incorporated in 1872 with a population of approximately 20,000.
The city of Yonkers has just put forth a proposal to revitalize the locality, with more than $3 billion dollars worth of changes. The proposal promises to add luxury housing, waterfront development, and lots of commercial and retail space. The objective is to increase tourism and the economic significance of the city to the state of New York and county.
There are quite a few yearly events that attract thousands of people to the city of Yonkers each and every year. The Yonkers Hudson Riverfest, which offers a diverse selection of entertainment, ethnic foods and crafts, attracts a crowd of over 15,000 individuals. The Untermyer Performing Arts Festival performs each Saturday evening throughout the summer. The events, which consist of opera, dance, street theatre and music, are held on the Hudson River and are free. Additionally, the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra plays five times each and every year.