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New Rochelle's earliest residents were the Siwanoys, living on the southern end of Davenport Neck -- the area known as Titus Mill farm. They sustained themselves by gathering food from the abundant fish, clams and oysters found along the shore of Long Island Sound.

The Huguenots followed in 1688. Also settling along the water's edge, they used the water routes into New York City to transport their locally grown produce by sloop. In later years a steamboat provided daily service from New Rochelle to the City.

For almost 300 years, New Rochelle's waterfront has continued to play an important role in the life of the community. In the nineteenth century it became a popular place for summer fun. Numerous parks were built as play lands for pleasure-seekers, including Starin's "Island Grand Cafe and Amusement Park."

In the early part of the twentieth century, the County's famous Glen Island Casino on Long Island Sound continued to draw such celebrities as Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers and Ozzie Nelson. Others came to the waterfront seeking the peace, tranquility and scenic beauty along this splendid shore.

As the crow flies, the shoreline within the City of New Rochelle measures 2.7 miles. But with its many irregularities and off-shore islands, the actual length of the waterfront is 9.3 miles. The unusual features of this splendid coast have over the years earned it the nickname, "the Queen City of the Sound."