Castle Hill Neck was owned by the Cromwell family until the late 1700s, during which time the area was known as Cromwell’s Neck. In 1800, the land passed to Rev. Isaac Wilkins, the minister of St. Peter’s Church on Westchester Avenue, and remained in his family for several generations. Although the area was briefly called Wilkins Neck, the peninsula re-acquired its original name, Castle Hill Neck, when Gouvernor Morris Wilkins established a manicured estate known as Castle Hill on the site. After the dissolution of the Wilkins estate, Castle Hill Neck consisted primarily of small houses and truck farms. In the 1950s, many of these smaller properties were replaced with large public housing projects.
The tip of Castle Hill Neck was acquired by the City of New York through condemnation in 1907. This parcel was enlarged in 1914 when the bulkhead line along the East River was extended. In 1929, the Board of Alderman named the land Castle Hill Park, and it was officially transferred to Parks on September 23, 1931. At this time, land surrendered by the Bronx Borough President was added to the park, along with underwater property ceded by the Department of Docks. Castle Hill Park has remained undeveloped since its acquisition. Nevertheless, the park’s rich history and scenic location make it a valuable property.