Located on the northern tip of the island of Manhattan, Harlem boasts more landmarks than any other district in New York City. Over the centuries, the neighborhood has been home to a number of immigrant groups and is known today as one of the world's capitals of African-American culture. Author and cultural historian Michael Adams, an expert on the neighborhood's history, says that Harlem still bears the mark of many residents who once populated it.

The Hamilton Heights section, for example, was once home to a large Dutch community, and as such, many of the buildings there were constructed to resemble those seen in cities such as Amsterdam. In addition, many of the structures built during the 19th century in the Hamilton Heights section were a direct reaction against the homogeneous design trends that made so many of New York City's buildings look uniform.

Another of Harlem's interesting sections is Astor Row, which features many semidetached houses with porches -- a device architects used to make Harlem look more suburban. One particularly famous Astor Row landmark is a two-story house that served as George Washington's headquarters for a brief period during the Revolutionary War.

One of Michael's favorite places in Harlem is the All Saints Roman Catholic church, which was built in the late-19th century and features beautifully colored windows, a vast pipe organ, and intricate gothic carvings throughout its high-ceilinged interior.

Special Thanks
Michael Adams, author and cultural historian