Harlem's New York area is shrouded in secrets, myths and stereotypes. But the city is developing, changing, 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).
District History
Harlem (New York), whose history dates back to the 17th century, was originally a small village created by immigrants from Holland. For several decades, the Dutch were constantly attacked by the indigenous inhabitants of these lands of the Lenape Indians. When the Indians were neutralized, the village began to grow gradually. At the end of the 18th century, at the end of the Civil War, Harlem, like all of New York, was experiencing an economic boom. New housing is being built here, enterprises 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 realtor Philip Payton, most of the visitors settled in cheap apartments in the area. Pretty quickly a new reality appeared. All Americans knew that Harlem (New York) was a “black” region, and there was nothing for whites to do there.
By 1930, the number of black people in this place reached 70%. The 20s are sometimes called the Harlem Golden Age, a special culture is rapidly developing here, it was then that jazz appeared, which made the area a famous musical place of the city. But with the onset of the Great Depression, many Harlem residents lost their jobs, and the area gradually became the criminal center of the city. In the 50-60s, local residents repeatedly went on strike, demanding that the mayor's office clean up streets and houses. At the end of the 70s, students began to settle here, the district began to turn into an informal place.
In Harlem, there is no longer 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; here, creative life boils 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 Rivers, along 110, 155, and 5 Avenue streets. Three neighborhoods are distinguished in Harlem: Central, facing the Central Park, Western and Eastern, which is also sometimes called Spanish.
Architecture
At the end of the 19th century, Harlem (New York), whose photos today look so spectacular, went through a construction boom. Entire streets west of the park are built up with 3-6-story brick houses. Today, Harlem townhouses are being rebuilt by equipping them with premium housing. There are many very memorable and interesting buildings, beautiful churches. Local architecture preserves the spirit of the early 20th century, when jazz thundered and Charleston danced.
The area is worth seeing the development of the late 19th century along Lenox Avenue, 122 and 123 streets. Harlem is justly 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 the construction of architecture of the second half of the 20th century. Today, the Harlem Revival project is being implemented here, under which the houses return to their original appearance, the streets are ennobled, and once the rebellious area turns into a respectable place.
Population
Harlem (New York) is traditionally associated with a black population, but the area has changed its 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, Hispanics, Italians, Jews settle here. Today, the eastern part of the area is largely populated by Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Spaniards. In West Harlem, the white population lives the most, there are several educational institutions and many students live around. In total, a little more than 300 thousand people will 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. Starting from the 20s, when the latest jazz music was played everywhere in local clubs, creative life was in full swing here. Rock and roll sounded everywhere in the 70s, and today artists and musicians of the modern avant-garde have chosen Harlem today.
Modern Harlem is perfect for leisure activities, new clubs are constantly opening in the area. In addition, these places are famous for the fact that there are several good theaters, including the famous Apollo. There are several museums in the area, for example, the Jazz Museum with an outstanding collection of items from the heyday of this music. On weekends, many bohemian parties are held in Harlem, the best places are concentrated in the central part of the district.
Security
The most common information about this area is that Harlem (New York) is an extremely dangerous area, and there is an African-American with a bat on almost every corner, who, if he doesn’t kill, then robs for sure. This stereotype appeared in the 60s of the 20th century, when numerous killings did occur in the area. Addiction flourished here: 70% of New York addicts lived in Harlem. Then there was a catastrophic situation with homeless children and child crime. It was really dangerous to get into Harlem both day and night.
Over the past 10 years, the city administration has been implementing a special policy that helps combat Harlem's social problems, and the situation is gradually improving. Today, crime rates in Central and West Harlem are lower than the US average. East Harlem can still pose a threat to a lone passerby at night. But in general, the area, especially its Central part, is increasingly turning into a very respectable habitat for an average-income American.
Things to do
Surprisingly, Harlem is a New York area that is great for walking and sightseeing. It is best to start exploring 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, concerts. Nearby is the famous Cotton Club, where gangsters gathered in the 1920s, famous jazzmen played and the vibrant life of those times was in full swing. A film of the same name was even shot about the life of the cult club.
In the evening, go to the Appolo Theater, where stars such as Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder once sang. South Street overlooking Central Park is perfect for a boardwalk. It is also worth a walk to the Hudson Promenade and enjoy the panorama. Harlem is a great place to try traditional American cuisine. There are several authentic cafes where the so-called "soul kichen" - soulful cuisine is served.
Practical information
Harlem (NY) is very convenient for transport accessibility. This is one of the reasons that the middle class is becoming more settled here today. In the district there are many decent hotels of medium and high price category. Tourists in recent years more and more like to stay here, traveling to other areas on excursions. Harlem has many good food outlets and shops. Guides and guides offer their services to tourists.
Harlem Life Reviews
Today, the state district of New York (Harlem), whose reviews about life in which are quite diverse, is becoming increasingly bourgeois and bohemian. As in all of New York, crime is declining and quality of life is growing. 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 outskirts of the area look very provincial, sometimes even wretched. But the change of population is gradually changing the picture for the better.