Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Gangs of New York

I'm sort of obsessed with New York City history, and ever since I saw the movie Gangs of New York (even though some people say it's not very accurate) I wanted to learn more. So, I braved yesterday's nasty weather and followed along a walking tour called: "Gangs of New York" by the Big Onion.
I was very intrigued about the infamous Five Points neighborhood, a slum centered in a five-cornered intersection where gangs fought and crime abounded. 


Some streets have been closed and their names have been changed but this is actually the center of the Five Points neighborhood located today in Worth St. and Baxter St, between the Financial District and Chinatown. The buildings in the back are located on Mulberry St, where many tenements were built.


A backstreet alley where many bloody fights took place.


An infamous fight between The Bowery Boys and The Dead Rabbits took place in this corner, in what is today Chinatown. The fight allegedly lasted hours.


This is the first tenement in New York City, built around 1820, located in Mott Street.
 If you are a history nut like me, and want to learn more about New York City's fascinating history, check out the Big Onion Tours. I've taken a few and they're wonderful.

3 comments:

k said...

I also totally love history like this and that movie!! and anything mafia, haha :)

Diana Mieczan said...

That is totally interesting and I want to know more...Great post, darlíng:)
Kisses

Ps: I am hosting a beautiful scarf GIVEAWAY today, just in time for Christmas.

Jazzy E (Hivenn) said...

esp l;ove the last x hivennn.