Manhattan’s streets are veins of stories, each block pulsing with the city’s vibrant history. Among them, 10th Avenue, also known as a significant stretch of Amsterdam Avenue, holds a particularly rich narrative, echoing back to the early Dutch settlers and evolving through centuries of New York City’s transformation. This avenue, extending from 59th Street to 193rd Street, is more than just a road; it’s a journey through time.
Originally envisioned to evoke the spirit of the 17th-century Dutch pioneers who first established settlements in what is now the Upper West Side, the avenue’s naming history is as winding as the city itself. Legend suggests the Dutch purchased parts of Manhattan for a mere $24 in the 1600s, a transaction that laid the groundwork for this global metropolis. The Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, the blueprint for Manhattan’s now-iconic grid system, initially designated the stretch from 59th Street northward as “10th Avenue.” However, in 1890, it was renamed “Amsterdam Avenue,” seemingly solidifying its Dutch heritage. Yet, the late 1940s saw another shift when traffic patterns were reorganized, and the name reverted back to 10th Avenue for certain sections. Today, both names are used interchangeably, reflecting the layered history of this vital New York City artery.
Navigating modern-day 10th Avenue, one finds it serves as a crucial uptown traffic conduit until 110th Street, near the majestic Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, where it transitions into a two-way street. Its southern end begins in the trendy Meatpacking District, just below Gansevoort Street, a neighborhood now synonymous with high fashion and nightlife, a stark contrast to its industrial past. Public transportation, particularly the M7 and M11 bus lines, offers convenient access, while a short walk from the 1 train line also unveils the avenue’s many facets.
A stroll along 10th Avenue is akin to walking through a living museum, offering a diverse tapestry of historical and contemporary landmarks. For academic enthusiasts, the avenue is a gateway to esteemed institutions like The City College of New York, a public university with roots dating back to 1847, and the globally renowned Columbia University, both testaments to New York City’s commitment to education. For those seeking cultural icons, the Empire Diner stands as an Art Moderne architectural gem and a celebrated celebrity haunt, a timeless fixture in the city’s ever-evolving dining scene. Furthermore, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a world-leading cultural complex housing the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic, graces 10th Avenue, enriching the city’s artistic landscape.
Adding to the avenue’s charm is Verdi Square, nestled between 72nd and 73rd Streets on Amsterdam Avenue. Established in 1906, this square pays homage to the legendary opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, providing a pocket of tranquility amidst the urban bustle. In recent years, the High Line park has emerged as a major attraction, drawing countless visitors annually. This elevated park, built on former railway lines, offers breathtaking city views and a unique green space alternative to Central Park, significantly boosting the real estate value in its vicinity. The High Line, commencing on Gansevoort Street and guiding pedestrians and cyclists up to 34th Street, provides an ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of 10th/Amsterdam Avenue.
Whether you are a visitor eager to explore New York City’s historical depths or a resident navigating daily life, the dynamic blend of history and contemporary vibrancy found along 10th/Amsterdam Avenue is an essential New York experience, waiting to be discovered.
