When people think of Chinatown a neighborhood in lower Manhattan, they automatically think of the street peddlers selling knock-off designer handbags. Very seldom do people actually take their time to learn of the history of Chinatown, and all the treasures that it has to offer such as Kam Hing Bakery on Baxter Street, to the little antique shops on Mott Street.
This community was home to many immigrants, stemming from many different backgrounds because of it’s proximity to Ellis Island. Before Chinatown came to existence it was known as Five Points which was home to many Italian, and Irish immigrants who came to the United States because of the economic conditions in their home country, and the Irish Potato Famine. This area was once notorious for its slums, and high crime rates, and because of these high crime rates “the Tombs” prison was built on White Street because city officials felt that since many criminals lived in Five Points it’ll be easier for transportation.
Currently Chinatown is home to a large influx of Chinese immigrants who came to the United States during the 1970’s, and expanded their family. Chinatown spans from Canal Street, Worth Street, Bowery Street, and Baxter Street. Chinatown Manhattan remains the largest ethnic enclave for Chinese immigrants even with the expansion of other Chinatowns in Brooklyn, and Queens.
Growing up in Chinatown, I’ve witnessed first hand the many changes that took place within this community in the last 17 years. The gentrification process began with the opening of a Starbucks on the corner of Canal and Centre Street. In the following years after the opening of Starbucks large condominiums sprang to life, taking away the essence of Chinatown. Quite honestly, I prefer the Chinatown I grew up with; compared to the one I’m living in now. Chinatown now carries a stigma that it’s only a place for knock off designer handbags, rather than a place of historical importance in New York City, and a place worth giving a second look.