Alphabet City in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) and William S. Burroughs (1914-1997)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 19, 2025
1. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) and William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) Marker
The two writers lived here from 1952 to 1953 at the beginning of their careers, hosting literary compatriot Jack Kerouac, whom Ginsberg famously photographed on the building's fire escape.
Together, they helped form the nucleus of the Beat Generation, an influential post-war countercultural movement that promoted existential reflection, lifestyle experimentation, and the rejection of material values.
Erected 2022 by Village Preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 40° 43.47′ N, 73° 58.804′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Alphabet City. It is on East 7th Street west of Avenue C, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 E 7th Street, New York NY 10009, 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.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Louise Nevelson (within shouting distance of this marker); GreenThumb (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carmen Pabon Del Amanecer Jardνn (about 400 feet away); La Plaza Cultural Land Acknowledgement (about 500 feet away); Firemans Garden (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named GreenThumb (about 600 feet away); Harry Lloyd Hopkins (about 700 feet away); Charlie Parker Residence (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Allen Ginsberg (Wikipedia). Overview:
Irwin Allen Ginsberg (June 3, 1926 April 5, 1997) was an American poet and writer. As a student at Columbia University in the 1940s, he began friendships with Lucien Carr,(Submitted on October 24, 2025.)William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac, forming the core of the Beat Generation. He vigorously opposed militarism, economic materialism and sexual repression and he embodied various aspects of this counterculture with his views on drugs, sex, multiculturalism, hostility to bureaucracy and openness to Eastern religions.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 19, 20252. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) and William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) Marker - wide view
Best known for his poem "Howl", Ginsberg denounced what he saw as the destructive forces of capitalism and conformity in the United States
2. William S. Burroughs (Wikipedia). Overview:
William Seward Burroughs II (February 5, 1914 August 2, 1997) was an American writer and visual artist. He is widely considered a primary figure of the Beat Generation and a major postmodern author who influenced both underground and popular culture and literature. Burroughs wrote 18 novels and novellas, six collections of short stories, and four collections of essays. Five books of his interviews and correspondences have also been published. He was initially briefly known by the pen name William Lee. He also collaborated on projects and recordings with numerous performers and musicians,(Submitted on October 24, 2025.)made many appearances in films, and created and exhibited thousands of visual artworks, including his celebrated "shotgun art".Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 19, 20253. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) and William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) Marker - wider view
3. Plaque Unveiling for Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs home, 10/06/2022 (Youtube, 45:53). (Submitted on October 24, 2025.)
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ, 🏳️🌈
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
