Revolutionary Renaming of Kingsbridge

After the Russian Revolution and the death of Lenin, the communists changed the name of St. Petersburg to Leningrad.  That’s what revolutionaries do.  After the American Revolution King’s College became Columbia College.  So why didn’t they change the name of Kingsbridge while they were at it?  Well, they did but it didn’t stick.

At some point in the fall of 1776, when Kingsbridge was a fortified camp defended by George Washington’s army, revolutionary zeal compelled some to refer to the area as “Congress Bridge.”  For a brief period you can see the new name used in documents.  The diary entry of Chaplain Andrew Hunter for September 30, 1776 says: “After Dinner rode to Congress Bridge with Col. Cortlandt.  The Genl. expects an attack every Day, from the Discoveries that our Spies can make –”

Here is a requisition document from October 9, 1776 for 100 barrels of pork and flour for the troops at Kings– I mean, “Congress Bridge.”

Growing up in the 20th century, it is hard to believe there was a time that Congress was ever so popular that they would name something after it.  But they did.  It just didn’t last very long.  Just a couple of weeks later in his diary, Chaplain Andrew Hunter went back to using the old name “Kingsbridge,” as did everyone else.  I have not seen this explained anywhere but perhaps the new name was just too confusing for the soldiers, who were from all over the northeast.  Or maybe the soldiers grew unhappy with the lack of pay and supplies from Congress?

Or maybe it is just a case of old habits die hard.  I am sure I can’t be the only New Yorker who still can’t help saying “Tappan Zee Bridge” and “Triboro Bridge.”