Hudson Yards in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hell's Kitchen
Hudson River Pk
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, July 15, 2023
1. Hell's Kitchen Marker
Completion of the Hudson River Railroad in 1851 heralded industrialization of the area between 34th and 59th Streets and 10th and 12th Avenues. Tanneries were the first industries to use the space, discharging their waste into the river. Irish immigrants fleeing famine in the 1850s found work at the tannery docks. German immigrants arrived in the late 1860s, working as laborers, dock workers, and domestic workers. Blocks teemed with slaughterhouses, meat-packing plants, and horse barns. The area sheltered roughnecks, gangs, and crime, which dominated the neighborhood through Prohibition. After World War II, the flourishing waterfront around Pier 76 provided work for longshoremen.
The origins of the name "Hell's Kitchen" are unknown, but it first appeared in print in an 1881 story about a notorious tenement at 39th Street and 10th Avenue. One of the most colorful tales tells of two police officers covering a small local riot. The rookie exclaimed, "This place is hell." His more experienced partner replied, "Hell's a mild climate. This is Hell's kitchen."
[Captions:]
Gangs, poverty, and crime were all major trials of Hell's Kitchen well into the 1970s.
The Hell's Kitchen neighborhood near Pier 76 with tightly-packed businesses and tenements.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 40° 45.544′ N, 74° 0.347′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Hudson Yards. Marker is on Pier 76 west of Hudson River Greenway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 408 12th Avenue, New York NY 10018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Canals and Railroads (a few steps from this marker); History of the United States Lines (a few steps from this marker); New Netherland to the Manhattan Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Once Water, Now Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Container Shipping Connecting the World (within shouting distance of this marker); Working Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Industry and the Environment (within shouting distance of this marker); South View (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, July 15, 2023
2. Hell's Kitchen Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
