Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A glance into the history of the land reveals that what is now a bustling and thriving com-
munity was once the first free settlement of former slaves. Through the decades, the re-
gion was slowly sold off in parcels and developed into paved streets, where people began
to build their homes. In the 19th century, those homes were beginning to be replaced with
commercial establishments, vast hotels, and theatres. The area soon grew into a lively shop-
ping and theatre district, much like it is today. However, the Second World War resulted in
a mass exodus from the district, and by the 1950s it was largely filled with empty ware-
houses and small sweatshop factories.
It wasn't until artistic vision in the 1960s, that this little corner of New York city began
to transform itself once again. Influential individuals and celebrities started to call SoHo
home, and a number of famous galleries bolster the reputation of this artistically infused
trendy community.
