The race was inaugurated in 1910 at the Empire City Race Track in Yonkers, New York as a contest for horses of either sex. Due to a New York State ban on parimutuel betting there was no race run in 1911, 1912, or 1913. It was not run in 1915 and in 1953 the event was suspended indefinitely. It was revived in 1978 with its current entry restrictions. The race was hosted by the Jamaica Race Course from 1943 through 1946, at Belmont Park in 1947, and again at the Jamaica Race Course from 1948 through 1953 after which it was moved to its present location at Aqueduct Racetrack.
On its return in 1978 as a race for fillies only, the East View Stakes was contested at a distance of seven furlongs until 1982 when it was run at one mile (eight furlongs). From 1987 through 1992 it reverted to seven furlongs then in 1993 it was run on turf at a distance of one mile. In 1994 the distance was set at its current 1+1⁄16 miles (eight and one half furlongs).
In 2012 it was again run at 1 mile but returned in 2013 to its former current distance of 8.32 furlongs.
† In 1921, Runstar finished first but was disqualified.
† In 1950, the race was won by Maine Chance Farm's Win or Lose but who was later disqualified when it was found he had carried an incorrect weight assignment.
