Tenth Avenue in Manhattan, New York has a rich and colorful history, evolving significantly over the years. Known today for its bustling urban landscape, it was once quite different.
In the 19th century, Tenth Avenue earned the nickname "Death Avenue" due to frequent accidents involving freight trains that shared the street with pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages. To mitigate these dangers, the "West Side Cowboys," a team of men on horseback, would ride ahead of trains waving red flags to warn people. The last of these cowboys, Mickey Metcalfe, waved his flag until the early 20th century.
The High Line, now a famous elevated park, was originally built in the 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains off the street level. This transformation helped enhance safety and eventually became a symbol of urban renewal. The park runs between the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards and offers a unique perspective on the city.
Tenth Avenue intersects with the Chelsea neighborhood, an area that has seen waves of change. In the early 20th century, it was an industrial hub, filled with factories and warehouses. Today, Chelsea is known for its art galleries, trendy boutiques, and the popular Chelsea Market located on Ninth Avenue.
One hidden gem on Tenth Avenue is the Church of the Holy Apostles, located at 296 Ninth Avenue but extending to Tenth. This church, designed by Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan, is known for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture and its work with the homeless community.
The avenue also runs through the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, once notorious for gang activity and now a vibrant area with a lively dining scene. Hell's Kitchen was immortalized in the musical "West Side Story," highlighting its gritty past.
Tenth Avenue has also been a muse for artists and musicians. The song "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" by Bruce Springsteen from his 1975 album "Born to Run" recounts the formation of his E Street Band, capturing the spirit of the avenue.
In recent years, the development of Hudson Yards has brought significant changes to the northern end of Tenth Avenue. This mega-project includes the Vessel, a honeycomb-like structure that has quickly become an iconic part of the New York skyline.
From the West Side Cowboys to modern urban development, Tenth Avenue tells a story of constant change and resilience, mirroring the broader evolution of New York City itself.