Things You Might Not Know About Harlem NYC

In Harlem, there is an energy and a sense of history in the streets that is unlike any other neighborhood. People often think of Harlem as a single thing, but I have found it is a place with many layers. Beyond the famous landmarks and well-known stories, there are so many fascinating things to learn. I wanted to share some interesting aspects of this community that you might not be aware of, offering some fun facts about Harlem NYC that I have learned over the years.

The story of Harlem begins much earlier than the 20th century. The area was initially inhabited by the Lenape, a Native American tribe. The first European settlement was established by the Dutch in 1658, who named it "Nieuw Haarlem" after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. I recently read Russell Shorto’s Taking Manhattan, a fascinating account of how the Dutch shaped New York City’s history. For about two centuries, Harlem remained mostly farmland—a quiet rural community far removed from the bustle of downtown. It became strategically important during the American Revolution, when George Washington fortified the area to oppose the British, controlling both land routes and river traffic.

As New York City expanded, Harlem evolved into a commuter town. In the 19th century, it emerged as a wealthy and elegant neighborhood, home to many prominent politicians and families. One of the best-known developments is Striver’s Row, three blocks of architecturally significant townhouses later owned by ambitious, talented African Americans—including the home of composer Eubie Blake, which I had the privilege of selling many years ago.

The extension of elevated rail lines in the 1880s sparked a development boom. Rows of fine townhouses and apartment buildings were constructed in anticipation of new residents arriving from lower Manhattan. But the Panic of 1893 triggered a real estate crash, leaving many of these homes unsold. This downturn set the stage for Harlem’s profound demographic shifts in the decades that followed.

One of the more interesting facts about Harlem NYC is the architectural significance of the Harlem River Houses. This development was a landmark in urban planning and design. Completed in 1937, it was the first government-funded housing complex in New York City. The project was conceived during the Great Depression to provide safe and healthy living conditions for the community's residents. It was deliberately designed to create a livable and aesthetically pleasing environment.

The project's principal architect was John Louis Wilson, Jr., the first African American graduate of Columbia University’s architecture school. He designed the low-rise buildings with enclosed plazas, intended to be a "gentle oasis." The design set a new standard for federally subsidized housing at the time. The development was not just about housing but about creating a sense of community and dignity through well-thought-out, open spaces and a welcoming environment.

Today the project is receiving $181 million of upgrades and renovations to 690 apartments and eight residential buildings.

The Apollo Theater is an absolute legend, a place where so many musical careers were launched. Many people do not realize that the Apollo did not begin its life as a venue for Black artists. It was initially a burlesque theater for white audiences. It was built in 1913 and known as Hurtig & Seamon's New Burlesque Theater.

The theater struggled during the economic collapse of the late 1920s. In the early 1930s, the property was purchased and renamed The Apollo. Its new owners decided to change its format to an African-American venue, and it opened its doors to both Black performers and audiences. This shift was a revolutionary moment. The Apollo became a central part of the cultural life of Harlem, a place where people could see the greatest talent of the day, and it has since become one of the most famous theaters in the world.

When you ride the subway in Harlem, you are not just on your way to another destination. You are surrounded by remarkable public art with a deep history. At the 125th Street subway station, for example, you can see a series of bronze reliefs by artist Houston Conwill called "The Open Secret." The pieces, installed in the 1980s, contain imagery derived from ancient African cultures.

There is also a powerful mural on the exterior of Harlem Hospital. Created in 1937, it is an excerpt from Vertis Hayes' "Pursuit of Happiness," which was part of the first federally funded art project by a Black artist. The mural initially faced controversy because it depicted African Americans working in a hospital. This project, along with others, was a significant step in gaining recognition for Black artists and their contributions. The art in the subway and at the hospital offers quiet but powerful facts about Harlem NYC.

We all know the Harlem Renaissance was a period of incredible artistic expression, but the era's vibrant music scene was boosted by an unlikely factor: Prohibition. The ban on alcohol created a demand for speakeasies, which needed entertainment to attract customers. As a result, thousands of these venues opened throughout the city. They hired Black jazz musicians to perform to draw in crowds, particularly wealthy white patrons from downtown.

This created many well-paying opportunities for artists like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. While some venues, such as the Savoy Ballroom, were integrated, others—most famously the Cotton Club—maintained a strict "whites-only" policy for their audiences, even as they showcased Black performers. The speakeasy culture of the era introduced jazz to a wider, predominantly white audience, securing its place in American culture. Today, if you want to experience live Harlem jazz, you can head to Minton’s Playhouse—an iconic spot where you never know when a great talent might step onto the stage.

When discussing the Harlem Renaissance, names like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston immediately come to mind. However, it is important to acknowledge the many figures whose contributions are often overlooked. For example, the philosopher Alain Locke was a key intellectual leader who helped shape the movement by editing the anthology The New Negro. He was a champion of the artists and writers creating this new identity.

Women writers were also vital to the movement's success. Writers such as Nella Larsen and Jessie Fauset provided nuanced portrayals of Black womanhood that were groundbreaking for their time. The neighborhood also had a vibrant LGBTQ nightlife, which thrived partly because of the indifference of law enforcement at the time.

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