New York's Harlem neighborhood is shrouded in mystery, myths and stereotypes. But the city is developing, changing, and this is reflected in Harlem. Let's talk about the history and features of this area. What to see and what to fear for tourists visiting Harlem, New York.
History of the area
Harlem (New York), whose history dates back to the 17th century, was originally a small village created by settlers from Holland. For several decades, the Dutch were constantly attacked by the native inhabitants of these lands, the Lenape Indians. When the Indians were neutralized, the village began to grow gradually. At the end of the 18th century, after the end of the Civil War, Harlem, like the rest of New York, is experiencing an economic boom. New housing is being built here, businesses are opening. Visitors poured into the city. Since Harlem was a fairly cheap area, poor Jewish and Italian immigrants settled here, and small Negro communities also appeared.
At the beginning of the 20th century, crowds of blacks from the south rushed to New York, they were looking for work and protection from oppression. Thanks to the activities of the re altor PhilipPeyton, most of the visitors settled in cheap apartments in the area. Quite quickly, a new reality emerged. All Americans knew that Harlem (New York) is a "black" area, and there is nothing for whites to do there.
By 1930, the black population in this place reached 70%. The 1920s are sometimes referred to as Harlem's Golden Age, as a distinct culture flourished here, and it was then that jazz appeared, which made the area a famous musical venue in the city. But with the onset of the Great Depression, many residents of Harlem lost their jobs, and the area gradually became the criminal center of the city. In the 50s and 60s, local residents went on strike more than once, demanding that the mayor's office put the streets and houses in order. In the late 70s, students began to settle here, the area began to turn into an informal place.
Harlem no longer has a clear preponderance of the black population, but the area has remained the political center of African Americans. At the end of the 20th century, Harlem was chosen by bohemia, and creative life is bubbling here again. Today the area is quite respectable, there are many attractions and places of entertainment.
Geography
Harlem (New York), the description of which we present, is located in Upper Manhattan. Its borders run along the East River and Hudson, along the streets of 110, 155 and 5 avenues. There are three microdistricts in Harlem: Central, overlooking Central Park, West and East, which is sometimes called Spanish.
Architecture
At the end of 19century Harlem (New York), whose photos look so impressive today, experienced a building boom. Entire streets to the west of the park are built up with 3-6-story brick houses. Today, Harlem townhouses are being restored, equipping them with premium housing. There are many very memorable and interesting buildings, beautiful churches. The local architecture preserves the spirit of the early 20th century, when jazz thundered and the Charleston danced.
Worth seeing in the area are the late 19th century buildings along Lenox Avenue, 122nd and 123rd Streets. Harlem is rightfully proud of the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the buildings of colleges and universities, especially the prestigious Columbia University. Also in Harlem you can see many interesting buildings of the early 20th century and architectural structures of the second half of the 20th century. Today, the Harlem Renaissance project is being implemented here, as part of which the houses are restored to their original appearance, the streets are ennobled, and the once rebellious district is being transformed into a respectable place.
Population
Harlem, New York is traditionally associated with the black population, but the area has changed ethnic composition several times. In 1910, 10% of African Americans lived here, in 1930 - 70%, and in 1950 - 98%. Then began a slow outflow of black residents. The ethnic composition is becoming more diverse, Latin Americans, Italians, and Jews are settling here. Today, the Eastern part of the region is largely populated by Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Spaniards. West Harlem has the largest white population and is home to several educational institutions andthere are a lot of students around. Just over 300,000 people live in Harlem. The most populated is Central Harlem.
Culture and entertainment
The Harlem area (New York) is often called the center of avant-garde culture. Since the 1920s, when the latest jazz music was played everywhere in local clubs, creative life was in full swing here. In the 70s, rock and roll sounded everywhere, and today Harlem was chosen by artists and musicians of the modern avant-garde.
Modern Harlem is great for leisure activities, with new clubs constantly opening in the area. In addition, these places are famous for the fact that several good theaters operate here, including the famous Apollo. There are also several museums in the area, for example, the Jazz Museum with an outstanding collection of items from the heyday of this music. There are many bohemian parties in Harlem on weekends, the best places are concentrated in the Central part of the area.
Safety
The most common information about this area is that Harlem (New York) is an extremely dangerous area, that there is an African American with a bat on almost every corner, who, if he does not kill, then rob for sure. This stereotype appeared in the 60s of the 20th century, when numerous murders really took place in the area. At this time, drug addiction flourished here: 70% of New York's addicts lived in Harlem. Then there was a catastrophic situation with homeless children and children'scrime. It was really dangerous to get into Harlem both day and night.
For the last 10 years, the city has implemented a special policy that helps to deal with the social problems of Harlem, and gradually the situation is being corrected. Today, the crime rate in Central and West Harlem is lower than the US average. East Harlem can still pose a threat to the lone passerby at night. But in general, the area, especially its Central part, is increasingly turning into a quite respectable habitat for an American with an average income.
Things to do
Surprisingly, Harlem is an area of New York that is great for walking and sightseeing. It is best to start your acquaintance with the area from King Street, where the main places of worship of the area are concentrated. Be sure to visit the Studio Museum, which hosts various exhibitions and concerts. Nearby is the famous Cotton Club, where gangsters gathered in the 20s, famous jazzmen played and the vibrant life of those times was in full swing. A film of the same name was even made about the life of the cult club.
In the evening, you should go to the Apollo Theater, where such stars as Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder once sang. South Street, facing Central Park, is perfect for a promenade. It is also worth walking to the Hudson Riverfront and enjoying the panorama. Harlem is a great place to try traditional American cuisine. There are several authentic cafes here, wherethe so-called "soul kitchen" is served - soulful cuisine.
Practical information
The Harlem area (New York) is very convenient in terms of transport accessibility. This is one of the reasons that the middle class is increasingly settling here today. There are quite a few decent hotels of medium and high price category in the area. Tourists in recent years more and more like to stay here, leaving for other areas on excursions. There are quite a few good food outlets and shops in Harlem. Guides and tour guides offer their services to tourists.
Reviews of life in Harlem
Today, the county of the state of New York (Harlem), where reviews of life are quite diverse, is becoming more and more bourgeois and bohemian. As in all of New York, crime is decreasing and the quality of life is increasing. But, according to residents, you have to pay for peace of mind, and in the literal sense of the word: real estate here is becoming more expensive. The outlying parts of the district look very provincial, sometimes even miserable. But the change in population is gradually changing the picture for the better.
