8 Fascinating Mulberry Street Fun Facts
History of Mulberry Street
Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan is probably one of the most interesting New York City streets. It is steeped in history and now it is a must see foodie destination. So with that in mind, here are 8 fascinating Mulberry Street fun facts. To learn even more about Mulberry Street and to taste some of the best shops and restaurants here, check out our Taste of Mulberry Street food tour!
Mulberry Street has had many different names throughout history. About the time of the American Revolution, Mulberry Street was known as the Slaughter-house Street for the slaughter house owned by Nicholas Bayard (which Bayard Street is named for). The slaughter house closed in 1784.
Mulberry Street’s name came from the farms that grew Mulberry trees around Mulberry Bend.
The bend at Mulberry Street was to avoid the swampy area around Collect Pond.
The swampy area around Collect Pond is now where Columbus Park is. The park opened in the summer of 1897, built to improve living conditions in the surrounding tenements. Other names it had in the past include Mulberry Bend Park, Five Points Park and Paradise Park.
What to See near Mulberry Street
Mulberry Street is probably best known for forming part of the border of the infamous Five Points. You definitely wouldn’t want to be here in the 1800’s!
The corner of Kenmare and Mulberry Street was known as the Curb Exchange during the Prohibition Era. It was well known as the place you can get alcohol illegally.
The Feast of San Gennaro is one of the largest Italian-American festivals in the United States and it is centered on Mulberry Street. The Feast of Gennaro starts on Thursday September 13th this year and lasts until Sunday September 23rd. The official feast day however is September 19th. It is one of the most exciting times to be in Little Italy!
Where to Eat Near Mulberry Street
Finally Mulberry Street now connects three foodie neighborhoods, Chinatown, Little Italy and Nolita (which is short for North of Little Italy). Some of our favorite restaurants and shops on Mulberry Street include Eggloo (60 Mulberry St) for dessert, Lunella (173 Mulberry St) for pasta and La Churreria (284 Mulberry St) for churros. You can try all three on our Taste of Mulberry Street tour!
