Water contributed to the development of the Maspeth area, with Newtown and Maspeth creeks attracting industry. At one time, Newtown Creek carried as much traffic as the mighty Mississippi River. The neighborhood has retained much of its early industrial character, blending it with considerable residential and commercial development in the inland areas. Grand Avenue provides the major shopping corridor. Maspeth has a reputation for being a "community of togetherness." In the early 19th century, it was the summer home of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. Cemeteries consume large tracts of land, and most of the homes in Maspeth are single-family models with a few coop apartment buildings along Maurice Avenue.