As one of the oldest, and most historically significant neighborhoods in America, the Lower East side of New York City’s Manhattan encompasses much of lower Manhattan and its east side neighborhoods below 14th Street. Today the LES is one of the most visited locales in the city, offering a unique combination of historic sites, shopping and eateries.
James Delancey was one of the first true settlers of the LES and, prior to the American Revolution, owned a farm that covered a good bit of the area that is now the neighborhood. He is the namesake of “Delancey Street” and his famous orchards are the namesake for “Orchard Street,”
Upon arrival to the United States, many immigrants were directed to head towards the Lower East Side. The Lower East Side during its early development had a large German population, and at one time was known as Little Germany (Keindeutschland). The Irish were also early settlers to the area.
Immigrant families began characterizing the neighborhood more than 200 years ago, as they filed into the cramped buildings that filled lower Manhattan. They became the first business owners as the founders of the pushcart. As opportunity spread into the area, so did businessmen seeking new opportunities, and what started as pushcarts and tenements turned into storefronts and a thriving downtown neighborhood.
The LES is now characterized as a cultural hub and a true “Melting Pot” neighborhood of Manhattan.
