One of the last parts of the city to be developed, the Upper West Side is home to hundreds of people, as well as restaurants and shops. When the British first arrived, the area was known as Bloemandael, later becoming Bloomingdale. Even with the creation of Central Park, the area remained basically untouched due to the high rocks and hills that needed to be overcome in order to build. It was not until the late 19th century, that people really began to take the area seriously as a residency. This was caused by two events; the 9th avenue elevated train set up stations in the area in 1879, and Edward Severin Clark's construction of The Dakota at almost the same time. Today, it is a center for cultural, social, and political action, and like Greenwich Village, in that it is home to artists and bohemians, although in the Village, these artists are very individualized and on the Upper West Side, they are enthusiasts of group art experiences- concerts, opera, theater, and film.
The Dakota
The Dakota was completed in 1884 by Edward Severin Clark, the heir to Singer Sewing Machine. At the time of its construction, it was the first structure in the area and was een as an outpost, a small settlement in a wild place, much like the Dakota Territory was for the rest of the country. Clark referred to it as a place "where persons of ease can find a home equal in every comfort and luxury to a first class private- dwelling house and without the discomforts and inconveniences of a normal hotel." The Dakota was home to John Lennon and was also the site of his fatal shooting. Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono still lives there today. The Dakota was also the setting for the 1968 horror film Rosemary's Baby.
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| The Dakota in 1890 Surrounding area is relatively undeveloped |
The Dakota The Dakota was completed in 1884 by Edward Severin Clark, the heir to Singer Sewing Machine. At the time of its construction, it was the first structure in the area and was een as an outpost, a small settlement in a wild place, much like the Dakota Territory was for the rest of the country. Clark referred to it as a place "where persons of ease can find a home equal in every comfort and luxury to a first class private- dwelling house and without the discomforts and inconveniences of a normal hotel." The Dakota was home to John Lennon and was also the site of his fatal shooting. Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono still lives there today. The Dakota was also the setting for the 1968 horror film Rosemary's Baby.
