| Name | Harlem |
| Location | Manhattan, New Netherland |
| Demographics | More diverse today, but maintains strong Dutch cultural heritage |
| Significance | Economic and political power center within New Netherland |
| Original Settlers | Dutch colonists |
| Historical Development | Affluent middle-class community of Dutch and German residents |
Harlem is a neighborhood in the northern part of the borough of Manhattan in the city of New Rotterdam, the capital of the nation of New Netherland. Originally founded as a Dutch settlement, Harlem has a long and storied history as one of the cultural and economic heartlands of the Dutch-speaking nation.
Harlem was first settled in 1658 by Dutch colonists, who named the area "Nieuw Haarlem" after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Located north of the initial Dutch settlement of New Rotterdam, the area was chosen for its fertile farmland and proximity to trade routes along the Hudson River.
Over the next century, Harlem grew into a prosperous Dutch community, known for its grand estates, windmills, and Dutch Reformed congregations. Many of New Netherland's wealthiest merchants and landowners resided in Harlem, making it an influential political and economic center within the colony.
In the 18th century, Harlem began to attract a sizable population of German immigrants as well, who were drawn to the neighborhood's prosperity and relative autonomy within the New Netherland system. This influx of new residents, combined with continued Dutch expansion, transformed Harlem into a bustling, cosmopolitan district.
As New Netherland grew in power and prominence during the 1800s, Harlem also became an important transportation hub, with the development of major canals, railroads, and bridges connecting it to other parts of the region. This fueled further economic and population growth, solidifying Harlem's status as one of the most affluent communities in New Netherland.
Unlike in our timeline, Harlem did not experience a major influx of African-American residents in the early 20th century. While there were some small-scale migrations of black New Netherlanders to the neighborhood, the overall demographic makeup remained predominantly Dutch and German through the 1900s.
However, the later 20th century did see an increase in the diversity of Harlem's population, with growing numbers of residents with origins in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia. This has contributed to a vibrant multicultural character, while the neighborhood has retained much of its distinctive Dutch architectural and cultural heritage.
Today, Harlem remains an influential and prosperous district within the city of New Rotterdam and the nation of New Netherland. It is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, thriving Dutch Reformed congregations, and bustling commercial corridors lined with Dutch-style cafes, boutiques, and cultural institutions.
Harlem is also home to several important government and corporate headquarters, underscoring its continued economic and political significance. The neighborhood is a hub for the arts, education, and media, with renowned museums, theaters, and universities located within its boundaries.
While no longer as homogeneously Dutch as in centuries past, Harlem continues to be a showcase of New Netherland's Dutch legacy and an important center of the nation's cultural and civic life.
Some of Harlem's key landmarks and cultural attractions include:
