Addisleigh Park

Addisleigh Park is a historic district located in the neighborhood of St. Albans in Queens, New York City. The district is known for its significant contributions to African-American history and culture, particularly in the realms of music, sports, and civil rights.

History

Addisleigh Park was developed in the early 20th century as a residential neighborhood for middle and upper-middle-class families. The area was initially a white-only neighborhood, but this changed in the mid-20th century when African-American celebrities began moving into the area. This led to a significant shift in the racial makeup of the neighborhood, which became predominantly African-American by the 1950s.

Notable residents

Over the years, Addisleigh Park has been home to many notable African-American figures. These include jazz musicians such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller; baseball players like Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella; and civil rights activists like W. E. B. Du Bois and Malcolm X.

Architecture

The architecture of Addisleigh Park is characterized by its Tudor and Colonial Revival style homes. Many of these homes have been preserved and are now part of the Addisleigh Park Historic District, which was designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2011.

Cultural significance

Addisleigh Park's cultural significance lies in its history as a hub for African-American culture and achievement. The neighborhood's rich history is reflected in its architecture, its notable residents, and its contributions to music, sports, and civil rights.

See also

• St. Albans, Queens
• African-American history
• New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission