Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District

New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022

1. Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District Marker

Inscription. The Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District, designated in 2021, is significant for its association with notable and pioneering African American individuals, institutions, and organizations during the Harlem Renaissance in the fields of politics, literature, healthcare, and education. The district features a striking collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century row houses, religious structures, and apartment buildings that create intact and picturesque streetscapes. Dorrance Brooks Square, dedicated in 1925, was named for a Black serviceman who died in action while serving with a segregated military regiment in World War I. It was the first public place in New York City to be named for an African American.

Erected 2021 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 2021.

Location. 40° 49.082′ N, 73° 56.847′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. It is at the intersection of West 136th Street and St.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Nicholas Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West 136th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30 W 136th St, New York NY 10030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dorrance Brooks Square (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Dorrance Brooks Square (within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Dorrance Brooks Square (within shouting distance of this marker); James Baldwin Lawn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ethel Waters (about 800 feet away); Remembrance Rock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Open Admissions Policy

Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022

2. Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District Marker [Reverse]

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Shepard Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022

3. Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.