About 12,000 years ago the bio-region of the Lower Hudson was originally settled and inhabited by ancient New Yorkers who referred to themselves as the Munsee of the Lenape Native American peoples. Dutch immigrants settled the Upper West Side, or UWS in the early mid-seventeenth century. In the 1650s, war and raids with the Munsee halted the Dutch from expanding further north.
Neighborhood Built around Broadway
They were left with a northern stretch of land they named Bloomindale. It was later renamed the Boulevard, and later still, Broadway. Broadway road extended from the present day 23rd Street through 114th Street.
Wealthy estates, fine homes and the farms of wealthy merchants scattered the area in the late eighteenth century. In 1853, the construction of Central Park changed the economic features of the West End. Squatters and low-income residents were forced from the park and moved west, where they built little shacks and lean-tos.
Evolution from 19th Century to 20th Century
During the late nineteenth century, apartment buildings sprang up, and removed the dominating row housing of home owners. Often perceived as being a heavily Jewish populated neighborhood, during the fifties and sixties there was a heavy influx of southern African Americans, Russians, Dominican Republicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, West Indians and Ukrainians. Despite becoming undesirable during the seventies, the community attracted artists, academics and young families due to low rents, and a neighborly sense of unity. Major renewal began in the mid-fifties, paving a way for Lincoln Center. In the eighties, the yuppies came with their accompanying incomes, rents were raised, and the renovation of the grander buildings of the earlier era was encouraged.
UWS Today
Today, the Upper West Side is a very desirable location, packed with entertainment, stylish stores and awesomely beautiful architecture. With its lovely town houses, luxury homes, breathtaking condos, Hudson River and Central Park views, the Upper West Side houses many of its most coveted residences. It also houses the renowned pre-war brownstones, lined along the west of Broadway. Two of its architecturally impressive buildings, with looming towers, are the Dakota and the San Remo. The area is home to all types of celebrities, including: artists, entertainers, educators and other professionals.
