Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cotton Club
While We Are Still Here
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 2, 2025
1. Cotton Club Marker
Originally owned by Jack Johnson, new White proprietors hired acts such as Duke Ellington, but barred Black patrons from the famed nightspot.
Erected by African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund/New York Life.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment.
Location. 40° 49.113′ N, 73° 56.242′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. It is at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and West 142nd Street, on the right when traveling north on Malcolm X Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 646 Malcolm X Blvd, New York NY 10037, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: Savoy Ballroom (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 369th Infantry Regiment Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mr. Marcus Garvey (approx. 0.2 miles away); His Holiness Pope John Paul II (approx. Ό mile away); Transportation Links of the Market (approx. 0.4 miles away); Howard Bennett Playground (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harlem YMCA (approx. 0.4 miles away); Products and Goods of the Market (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Another
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Cotton Club (1923-1935). The Clio website entry (Submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The Cotton Club. New York Architecture website entry (Submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. The Ghosts of Harlem's Jazz Heritage. The Jazz Trumpet Project website entry (Submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 2, 2025
2. Cotton Club Marker Site
NE corner, Malcomb X Boulevard and West 142nd Street
via Bowery Boys, 1930s
3. Cotton Club in its heyday
via Google Earth, 2025
4. Cotton Club site
The entire block was leveled for public housing that opened in 1970.
The marker is just out of sight to the far right.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Current photo of site that includes the marker. • Can you help?
