Old Manhattan Has Some Farms

When we think of Manhattan, we envision towering skyscrapers, bustling streets filled with taxis, and a concrete jungle where dreams are made. However, amidst this concrete paradise, there is a forgotten greenery that tells a different tale - farms in old Manhattan. Yes, you read that right! Once upon a time, Manhattan had its own share of farms, enriching the city with fresh produce, providing solace in the midst of chaos, and reminding us of the harmony that can exist between nature and urban life.

The Rise of Farms in Old Manhattan

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Manhattan was mostly countryside. It was home to vast farmlands and orchards, where farmers tilled the soil and grew crops, supporting the local economy. Many wealthy families also owned grand estates with lush gardens, adding to the charm and beauty of the island.

Old Manhattan Has Some Farms

by Susan Lendroth (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4245 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

These farms not only provided sustenance but were an integral part of the social fabric of the time. People would gather at local markets, exchanging goods, stories, and laughter. The farms brought the community together and created a sense of belonging.

Urbanization and the Transformation of the Landscape

With time, Manhattan's dramatic growth and rapid urbanization started changing the landscape. The farms and estates slowly gave way to commercial buildings, paved streets, and the ever-expanding concrete jungle we recognize today. As buildings and skyscrapers rose, the farms and green spaces gradually disappeared, leaving only traces of their existence.

However, a keen eye can still spot remnants of old Manhattan's agricultural past. Diligent city planners and historians have preserved and restored certain areas to pay homage to the city's roots. Let's take a closer look!

Battery Urban Farm: The Green Oasis

In Battery Park, where the hustle and bustle of the city meets the calm expanse of the waterfront, lies the Battery Urban Farm. Spanning one-acre, it is the largest publicly accessible farm in Manhattan. Founded in 2011, this educational farm allows visitors to learn about sustainable agriculture, natural ecosystems, and the importance of locally grown produce.

The Battery Urban Farm hosts workshops, composting classes, and even provides fresh produce to local restaurants and residents. It stands as a testament to the resilience of nature within the heart of the city and reminds us of the possibilities that lie beneath the concrete surface.

The Cloisters: A Touch of Medieval Farming

Nestled within Fort Tryon Park, The Cloisters transports visitors to a bygone era. This medieval-style building houses an impressive collection of European medieval art and artifacts, but it is the gardens that steal the show.

The meticulously tended gardens surrounding The Cloisters bring the Middle Ages to life, offering a glimpse into the farming techniques and plant cultivation of a different time. Fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables grow in abundance, and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air, evoking a peaceful and serene atmosphere amidst the bustling city.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Traveling north from the heart of Manhattan, we find ourselves in Staten Island, where we discover the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. Once a home for retired sailors, it has now transformed into a cultural haven, incorporating beautiful gardens that pay homage to the island's agrarian past.

The Botanical Garden at Snug Harbor showcases a wide variety of plants, including ornamental flowers, herbs, and even a bamboo forest. It offers serene pathways, allowing visitors to escape the city's noise and revel in the tranquility of nature.

Revitalizing the Green Spirit in Old Manhattan

While these remnants of Manhattan's agricultural history serve as a gentle reminder that nature and urban life can coexist, there is a growing movement to bring farming back into the city.

Community gardens have sprouted in various neighborhoods, reclaiming empty lots and transforming them into green oases. These communal spaces not only promote urban farming but also provide a sense of community, belonging, and sustainability in a city that never sleeps.

From rooftop gardens to hydroponics farms, Manhattan is witnessing the revival of its green spirit. Organizations, local initiatives, and individuals are joining hands to grow fresh produce, educate others on sustainable practices, and promote the importance of green spaces in a bustling metropolis.

Old Manhattan might have lost its farms to urbanization, but it never lost its connection to nature. Amidst the noise and chaos, the city continues to preserve and revive its agricultural heritage, embracing the green spaces, farms, and gardens that weave a different narrative into its concrete fabric. Farms like Battery Urban Farm, The Cloisters, and the Botanical Garden at Snug Harbor stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the importance of nature's touch in the heart of the city.

So, the next time you walk the streets of Manhattan, take a moment to look beyond the towering buildings and gaze upon the green havens that still thrive, whispering stories of the past, and promising a greener future.

Old Manhattan Has Some Farms

by Susan Lendroth (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4245 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

A clever new spin on "Old MacDonald," this fun book explores the popular trend of urban farming. From rooftop farms and gardens on Manhattan high rises to neighborhood gardens in empty lots in Atlanta to hydroponic gardens in Seattle, growing food locally has become an important part of city-dwelling life.

Set to the tune of the popular children's song, this bouncy rhyming text will get everyone reading (or singing) out loud. If you're not comfortable singing aloud, download the free recording of the song created by popular children's performer Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Ballew, lead singer and songwriter for the band The Presidents of the United States of America). Six North American cities are highlighted, but included in the back matter are tips and tricks on how to alter the text so you can sing about your own hometown gardens.

Back matter also includes more information about the different types of gardens introduced, additional resources, and the sheet music for the song.