Heading west brings us into the hood known as Gramercy. It goes from 14th to 23rd Sts between Broadway and 1st Ave. This hood is mostly residential. Originally, it was mostly farmland that was owned by the Murray family. In 1831, Samuel B Ruggles had a vision to create a private park with a community for the onward growth for Manhattan. The area became constructed with brownstones for the rich. Durring the time of the US Civil War, a number of escaped slaves used places such as the Brotherhood Synagogue as part of the Underground RR. In the late 1870's the 2nd/3rd Ave Els were built to provide for transportation throughout Manhattan. Durring the late 1800's, Tammany Hall became the center of NYC politics especially with the leadership of William 'Boss' Tweed. In 1914, Consolidated Gas Co set up their headquarters here and added on in 1929. In the 1950's, the els were demolished as they became obsolete to the subway. Much of Gramercy has been the same since its landmarked, but the part that isn't has been demolished for new construction such as dorms for NYU. Gramercy Pk still remains open to only residents living right across from it, but the gates are small enough to fit a camera through it, though Union Sq has more to offer with the equestrian statue of George Washington. The birthplace of Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt is on the NPS. You can get here by taking the subway to 14th St-Union Sq (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6), 3rd Ave (L), 1st Ave (L), 23rd St-Broadway (R, W), and 23rd St-Lexington Ave (6). Here is what you will find in Gramercy.
27th July 2008, 07:50
NYC:Manhattan hoods-Gramercy 
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