New York City is known as the Big Apple, and Harlem might just be the biggest apple of them all. From locations of historical significance to modern icons, check out these 10 facts about Harlem New York before you take your next trip to the big city!

1) Harlem became a trendy area in the late 1920s

In the late 1920s, Harlem became a trendy area for music and nightlife. It was also known as the Black Mecca of the world. Famous African American entertainers such as Meagan Good- American actress, Harlem show, and the Harlem Globetrotters performed in Harlem. The area was also home to many famous writers and artists. Why is Harlem so famous? One reason is because it was once home to many influential figures in American history such as W.E.B Dubois, Frederick Douglass, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

2) The Music Genre Jazz came from the neighborhood

It is widely believed that the music genre of jazz originated in the early 20th century in the neighborhood of Harlem, New York. The exact origins are unknown, but there are many theories. One theory is that jazz was created by African American musicians who were influenced by the blues and ragtime. Another theory is that jazz was a mix of European and African musical traditions. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that Harlem was a hotbed for jazz in the early 1900s.

3) The Federal Writers Project was started there by Henry Alsberg

The Federal Writers Project was an American New Deal program that employed talented writers during the Great Depression to produce a series of guidebooks about each state. The project was started in 1935 by Henry Alsberg, the national director of the project, and it lasted until 1943. In total, the project employed more than 6,000 writers.

4) The Apollo Theater opened in 1932

The theater was originally intended as a whites-only venue, but soon became an important showcase for African American performers. In 1934, Benny Carter and his orchestra performed at the Apollo, helping to establish it as a premier jazz venue. In the 1940s, the Apollo became known for its jazz a la carte format, which featured a variety of styles and genres on one bill. The theater continues to be an important cultural institution in Harlem today, hosting a wide range of music, dance, and comedy acts.

5) The first African American owned theater called Lafayette opened in 1837

In 1837, the first African American owned theater called Lafayette opened in Harlem. The theater was a popular destination for both black and white New Yorkers. Today, Harlem is still a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

6) White Flight took place after WWII

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a massive migration of white people took place in the United States. This was known as white flight. It was a response to the housing shortage that followed WWII, as well as to the growing number of African Americans who were moving into cities like Harlem. The result was that many neighborhoods in cities like Harlem became predominantly black. This, in turn, led to segregated schools, housing, and other forms of discrimination.

7) Jim Crow Laws existed in the area until 1938

The Jim Crow Laws were a set of laws that were enacted in the late 1800s to formalize segregation and discrimination against blacks. These laws existed until 1938, when the Supreme Court struck them down.

8) It became home to civil rights activists including Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and Langston Hughes.

In the 1920s, Harlem was known for its vibrant nightlife and was home to many famous jazz clubs. Harlem became home to civil rights activists including Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and Langston Hughes in the 1960s.

The area experienced a decline in the 1970s and 1980s but has since been gentrified.

9) President Abraham Lincoln even visited the neighborhood during his presidency!

The neighborhood of Harlem has a lot of history behind it. For instance, did you know that Harlem was originally settled by the Dutch in the 1600s? Or that President Abraham Lincoln even visited the neighborhood during his presidency! Harlem has also been home to some famous residents.

10) Eric Holder laid out plans for the city to rebuild itself.

In the aftermath of the riots that followed the death of Eric Garner, then-Attorney General Eric Holder laid out plans for the city to rebuild itself. He spoke about the need for investment in the community, especially in education and job training. He also called for an end to the cycle of violence that had been plaguing the city for years.

Holder's remarks came at a time when many were wondering if Harlem would ever be able to recover from the destruction.