a rich history

Gordon Heights traces its origins to the mid-1920s, when New York City land developer Louis Fife purchased property once owned by a man known as "Pop Gordon." He later established the Gordon Heights Development and Building Corporation, divided the land into affordable lots, and marketed them to African American families living in Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx. The community was named Gordon Heights in honor of the property's former owner and was officially established in 1927.

Gordon Heights is one of the few communities on Long Island established to promote African American home-ownership, self-determination, and community building. Early settling families, including the Murrays, Weeks, Wilsons, Welches, Browns, Beaches, and Halls, were eager to become landowners, homesteaders, and farmers. Together, they built homes, churches, a community center, a hotel, and a close-knit community founded on the spirit of "by us, for us."

And between 1929 to 1939, while the country was in the Great Depression, farmers in Gordon Heights were not only able to feed their families, they also sold affordable farmed goods, such as eggs and chickens, to others struggling in the surrounding areas.

In 1947, after years of inadequate emergency response from neighboring fire departments, Gordon Heights residents united to establish what is recognized as New York State's first Black volunteer fire department. Created out of necessity and a commitment to protecting their neighbors, the Gordon Heights Fire Department has faithfully served the community for nearly 80 years and remains a lasting symbol of resilience, leadership, and service.

Historical information adapted from Tri Hamlet News, "In Honor of Black History Month: Historical Gordon Heights."