Like the streets on its eastern and western borders, the park was named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Amsterdam whose likeness adorned one of the ships that brought the first Dutch settlers to New Amsterdam.

Now designated as the Hamilton Grange National Memorial, it was moved 500 feet (150 m) in 2008 from Convent Avenue to the north side of St. Nicholas Park, facing 141st Street.

[2] The Grange was considered a "country home" when it was built in 1802,[3] and its new location is within the boundaries of Hamilton's original 32-acre (130,000 m2) estate.

[2] Much of City College of New York's campus, including Shepard Hall, is just across St. Nicholas Terrace.

[4] The park is the setting for a scene from the 2014 independent film The Mend, starring Josh Lucas.