Here's a quick timeline of New York City's formation from Family Search, and may be especially helpful to those researching the Bronx. 1683 New York ended Yorkshire, creating New York (Manhattan) County from part of it.[8] [9] 1693 Orange County was given to New York County.[8] 1698 Orange County was made independent of New York County.[8] 1874 West Bronx was added to New York County.[8] 1881 North Brother Island was added to New York County.[8] 1884 Rikers Island was added to New York County.[8] 1895 East Bronx was added to New York County.[8] 1898 The five boroughs were consolidated into New York City, and her county governments were dissolved. The Borough of Manhattan had the same borders as the old New York County.[11] 1914 Bronx County, with the same borders as its borough, separated from New York County.[8] [12] Barb [email protected]