Hell’s Kitchen: A Neighborhood with a Fiery History
A Brief History
Taking up almost 50 blocks, Hell’s Kitchen is one of New York City’s most historically fascinating neighborhoods. Originally farmland that belonged to the Delancey family, the land was parceled out for commercial and residential development after the American Revolution. Over the centuries, various ethnic groups moved into the neighborhood, making it predominantly Irish, German, and Italian before the 1960s, when Latin American immigrants began to move in.
During the mid-19th century, with over 200,000 people, the neighborhood also became known as a hotbed of political tampering. The riot of 1863, during the Civil War draft, caused massive destruction and looting.
Hell’s Kitchen continued to see notoriety in the 20th century with bootlegging and speakeasies during the Prohibition era. Organized crime groups such as the Westies were also present in the area. In the 1960s, the decline of the garment industry in New York City caused the neighborhood to fall on hard times.
Over the past couple of decades, Hell’s Kitchen underwent significant gentrification with a renovation of apartments and new restaurants popping up on almost every corner. Though it’s been a long while since the neighborhood had anything approaching the dangerous reputation it once had, its name is a lasting reminder of its past.
How It Got Its Name
The term “Hell’s Kitchen” itself has an interesting origin story. According to local lore, the name was coined by a Scottish shipping engineer who, disheartened by the neighborhood’s rough-and-tumble atmosphere, likened it to the fiery furnaces of Hell. Over time, the name stuck.
What Do New Yorkers Call It?
New Yorkers tend to call the neighborhood “Hell’s Kitchen,” despite attempts by real estate agents to rebrand the area as “Clinton” in the 1950s. The latter name was chosen in honor of DeWitt Clinton, a former New York governor who played a significant role in the construction of the Erie Canal. Though “Clinton” does appear on some maps and street signs, the vast majority of residents and visitors still refer to the area as Hell’s Kitchen.
In Conclusion
Today, Hell’s Kitchen stands tall as a prime example of how a city can evolve over time while still holding onto its heritage. Though it’s best known for its excellent dining options, this area was once a gritty enclave that housed gangs, political scandals, and more. Its name may be intimidating, but it undoubtedly holds an important part of the city’s history.