The central focus of the suburb is Maungawhau / Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit is the highest natural point on the Auckland isthmus.

In pre-European times Mount Eden was utilised as a fortified hill pā by various Māori iwi (tribes).

The pā is thought to have been abandoned around 1700 AD after conflict between the resident Waiohua people and the Hauraki tribes[3] The earth ramparts and terraces from this period contribute to the distinctive outline of the hill today.

Following a gift of land from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Mount Eden began being subdivided and sold off to settlers in 1841.

Due to population growth in Auckland Mount Eden would start having suburban development in the late 1800s.

In the 19th century, on the eastern slopes of Mt Eden were constructed several large country houses set in extensive grounds.

These included "Harewood House" (since demolished and now the site of the Mater Hospital), Justice Gillies "Rocklands Hall" (now a hostel), Alfred Buckland's "Highwic" (now a museum), the Hellaby family's "Florence Court", Josiah Clifton Firth's "Clifton House" (both still private residences) and Professor Sir Algernon Thomas' "Trewithiel" (the garden is partially preserved in Withiel Thomas Reserve and the reduced house at 114 Mountain Road).

Mt Eden developed a slightly bohemian image during this time as a community of artists, writers, teachers and university lecturers made it their home.

[citation needed] The Presbyterian Boys' Hostel at 22 View Road is a historic building that became the first home for many young men, who moved to Auckland to train in government and industry at low rates of pay.

[citation needed] In Mt Eden, the plentiful supply of volcanic stone (a suitable material for building roads), as well as the ready supply of labourers from the Mt Eden Prison, allowed for a progressive development of early roads, many of which still exist today as main arterial routes.

At the time, it was responsible for building and maintaining the roads and dealing with the pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep that freely roamed the area.

[11] Housing in Mount Eden ranges from 19th century Victorian villas to modern apartments.

[8]: 197  King Edward Street and Burnley Terrace have special heritage protections due to their Victorian and Edwardian villas that have remained mostly the same for over a century.

[8]: 196 During the 1870s many middle class residents left the urban central city for areas such as Mount Eden due to a desire for healthier living conditions.

[8]: 194–195 Homes in the 20th century were built with a mix of styles including Arts and Crafts, modernism, and Spanish Mission.

Multi unit homes were built more frequently after WW2 but were often derided due to lacking architectural merit.

The construction of a high rise apartment around the base of Mount Eden led to restrictions on building height to preserve views of the mountain.

Notable examples include the former council chambers and fire station and the Mt Eden Congregational Church.

[8]: 201–203 [15] Initially Mt Eden's economy was based upon agricultural and small shops that serviced residents.

With the railway connection in the 1880s industrial businesses start popping up although Mt Eden remained rural.

The most notable industrial business was the Colonial Ammunition Company which was formed in 1888 by Major John Whitney.

[33] Mount Eden District Normal Primary School was opened in August 1877 and provided three classes to 23 students in a single room.

The original school house was constructed for £287 by John Corwell and is today part of the Valley Road International Church.