HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Fiorello Henry La Guardia

New York, Bronx County, New York

Marker Inscription

Fiorello Henry La Guardia 1882-1947 Fiorello Henry La Guardia, one of New York City’s most beloved mayors (1934-45), the “Little Flower” (the English translation of Fiorello) was also among the first Italian-Americans elected to Congress (1917-19 and 1923-33). As mayor, his progressive reforms included a revised city charter, expanded social services, public housing projects and parks construction. He lived here from 1945 to 1947.

Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center

The Story

Fiorello H. La Guardia—the 'Little Flower' and among the first Italian-Americans elected to Congress—spent the last years of his life here. As New York's reform mayor from 1934 to 1945 he rewrote the city charter and expanded parks, public housing, and social services, becoming one of the city's most beloved leaders.

Why it matters

La Guardia's honest, activist government reshaped modern New York and offered a national model of Progressive-era urban reform.

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