What is the racial makeup of Harlem?
What is the racial makeup of Harlem?
Demographics
| Indicator | 2000 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Percent Black | 77.3% | 54.3% |
| Percent Hispanic | 16.8% | 23.6% |
| Percent white | 2.1% | 15.5% |
| Racial diversity index | 0.37 | 0.62 |
Who built Harlem?
Harlem was originally settled by the Dutch in 1658, but was largely farmland and undeveloped territory for approximately 200 years. As New York’s population grew, residential and commercial expansion moved northward, and development of the Harlem territory was evitable.
Who lived in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance?
New York mayors Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence and Daniel Tiemann both lived in Harlem in this period. For many in New York City, Harlem was at this time regarded as a sort of country retreat. The village had a population of poorer residents as well, including blacks, who came north to work in factories or to take advantage of relatively low rents.
What happened to the native population of New Haarlem?
The native population gradually decreased amidst conflict with the Dutch. The settlement was named Nieuw Haarlem (New Haarlem), after the Dutch city of Haarlem, and was formally incorporated in 1660 under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant.
How many people farmed the Harlem flatlands?
As many as several hundred farmed the Harlem flatlands. The first European settlement in the area was by siblings Hendrick (Henry), Isaac and Rachel de Forest, Franco- Dutch immigrants in 1637.
When did Harlem become part of New York City?
The Dutch took control of the area again for one year in 1673. The village grew very slowly until the middle 18th century, and it became a resort of sorts for the rich of New York City. Only the Morris-Jumel Mansion survives from this period. Harlem played an important role in the American Revolution.
