List of New York City Mayors by Year

List of New York City Mayors by Year: Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the list of New York City mayors by year. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the history of New York City's mayoralty, highlighting key mayors and their contributions to the city's development. Whether you're a local New Yorker or simply interested in the fascinating history of one of the world's greatest cities, this post is for you. So, let's dive in and explore the mayoralty timeline!

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Early Years: 1665-1898

1665 - 1666: Thomas Willett

1665 - 1666: Thomas Willett


Thomas Willett, the first mayor of New York City, was appointed by the Dutch Governor of New Amsterdam. As the city's inaugural mayor, Willett laid the groundwork for future generations of mayors to come.

1777 - 1783: Marinus Willett

1777 - 1783: Marinus Willett


Marinus Willett, unrelated to Thomas Willett, served as mayor during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership during this tumultuous period played a crucial role in shaping New York City's future.

1829 - 1833: Walter Bowne

1829 - 1833: Walter Bowne


Walter Bowne, a prominent New York politician, is well-remembered for his efforts in modernizing the city's infrastructure. Under his tenure, New York City saw significant improvements in its transportation and public health systems.

1834 - 1837: Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence

1834 - 1837: Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence


Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, a lawyer and politician, focused on social reform as mayor. He spearheaded efforts to improve housing conditions for the city's poor and worked towards expanding public education.

1895 - 1897: William Lafayette Strong

1895 - 1897: William Lafayette Strong


William Lafayette Strong, a businessman turned politician, led the city during a period of rapid growth and industrialization. It was under his mayoralty that New York City witnessed the completion of the iconic Williamsburg Bridge.

The Progressive Era: 1898-1945

1898 - 1901: Robert Anderson Van Wyck

1898 - 1901: Robert Anderson Van Wyck


Robert Anderson Van Wyck, a judge, became the first mayor of New York City after its consolidation into the five boroughs. His mayoralty was marked by efforts to improve the city's transportation infrastructure and sanitation systems.

1904 - 1909: George B. McClellan Jr.

1904 - 1909: George B. McClellan Jr.


George B. McClellan Jr., the son of a Civil War general, focused on combating corruption in city politics during his time as mayor. He also championed the development of the New York City subway system.

1918 - 1925: John Francis Hylan

1918 - 1925: John Francis Hylan


John Francis Hylan, a former subway conductor, implemented policies aimed at reducing the influence of Wall Street on city affairs. His emphasis on social programs and transportation initiatives endeared him to many working-class New Yorkers.

1934 - 1945: Fiorello H. La Guardia

1934 - 1945: Fiorello H. La Guardia


Fiorello H. La Guardia, one of New York City's most iconic mayors, led the city through the Great Depression and World War II. His progressive policies focused on combating organized crime, improving transportation, and expanding social services.

Modern Era: 1946-Present

1954 - 1965: Robert F. Wagner Jr.

1954 - 1965: Robert F. Wagner Jr.


Robert F. Wagner Jr., the son of a former senator, became mayor during a time of immense change and social upheaval. His administration focused on civil rights, labor reforms, and urban renewal programs.

1974 - 1977: Abraham D. Beame

1974 - 1977: Abraham D. Beame


Abraham D. Beame, an accountant, faced significant financial challenges during his tenure as mayor. New York City experienced a severe fiscal crisis, leading to budget cuts and layoffs.

1990 - 1993: David N. Dinkins

1990 - 1993: David N. Dinkins


David N. Dinkins made history in 1990, becoming the first African-American mayor of New York City. His administration focused on fostering racial harmony and improving community relations.

2002 - 2013: Michael R. Bloomberg

2002 - 2013: Michael R. Bloomberg


Michael R. Bloomberg, a renowned businessman, served as mayor for three consecutive terms. Under his leadership, the city experienced significant economic growth and saw improvements in public health and safety.

2014 - Present: Bill de Blasio

2014 - Present: Bill de Blasio


Bill de Blasio, the current mayor of New York City, has focused on issues such as affordable housing, income inequality, and education reform. His tenure has been marked by both successes and challenges, as he navigates a rapidly changing city.

Conclusion: Reflecting on New York City's Mayors

The list of New York City mayors by year is a testament to the vibrant and diverse history of the city. From its Dutch origins to the present day, each mayor has left their mark, steering the city through triumphs and challenges alike.

Throughout the years, New York City's mayors have taken on various roles, from improving infrastructure to fighting corruption and advocating for social reform. As the city continues to evolve, it is the duty of each mayor to address the needs and aspirations of its residents.

If you're interested in diving deeper into the topic of New York City's mayors, we recommend exploring biographies, and historical archives, and visiting the Museum of the City of New York. Understanding the legacies of past mayors can provide invaluable insights into the city's present and future.

We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive guide to the list of New York City mayors by year. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the leadership that has shaped one of the most iconic cities in the world, this journey through time offers a glimpse into the mayoralty and the ever-changing landscape of New York City.