John Mullaly

Not to be confused with John Mullally.

Mullaly Park

John Mullaly (1835–1915), known as father of the Bronx park system, was a newspaper reporter and editor who was instrumental in forming the New York Park Association. Mullaly Park in the Bronx, which lies between Jerome Avenue and River Avenue in the South Bronx, is named after him. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he worked for the New York Herald, the New York Tribune, and the New York Evening Post. He was the editor of the Metropolitan Record, published by the Catholic Church in New York City.

He held public office, including serving as the New York Commissioner of Health, and serving on the board of tax assessors.

In 1887, he published a book with the impressive title, New Parks beyond the Harlem with Thirty Illustrations and Map; Descriptions of Scenery; Nearly 4000 Acres of Free Playground for the People; Abundant space for a Parade Ground, a Rifle Range, Base Ball, Lacrosse, Polo, Tennis and all athletic games; picnic and excursion parties and nine mile of waterfront for bathing fishing, yachting and rowing. Scanned images and full text of this book are available on-line.

Mullaly was a controversial figure during the Civil War, one of New York City's ardent opponents to the draft. On August 19, 1864, John Mullaly was arrested for inciting resistance to the draft and examined a few days later for possible trial.

External links

• A Trip to Newfoundland: Its Scenery and Fisheries, by John Mullaly
• New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
• NY-NJ-CT Botany Online website, including a chronology.