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1910 Land Sale in Jackson Heights Laid Foundation for Today's Diverse Food Hub

A century ago, a pivotal land sale in Jackson Heights set the stage for the vibrant, multicultural food scene that thrives there today.

Here there is a food item.
Here there is a food item.

1910 Land Sale in Jackson Heights Laid Foundation for Today's Diverse Food Hub

In 1910, a significant land sale in Jackson Heights, New York, marked a turning point for the area. While details about the individuals involved remain scarce, this transaction laid the foundation for the diverse, food-centric neighbourhood we know today.

Once part of Elmhurst and predominantly farmland, Jackson Heights was home to crops like wheat, barley, and oats in the 1800s. Key figures in real estate development, such as Edward MacDougall and others from the Queensboro Corporation, played a crucial role in shaping the area in the early 20th century.

The 1910 land deal transformed a significant portion of Jackson Heights into European-style apartment buildings. A decade later, the extension of the 7 train to Corona in 1917 further boosted development along the neighbourhood's commercial strips.

Today, Jackson Heights is a vibrant community of 175,000 residents speaking 160 different languages. Its culinary scene is a testament to its diversity, offering a rich tapestry of cuisines from Mexico, Nepal, Colombia, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Tibet, Italy, and many more.

From its humble beginnings as farmland to its transformation into a bustling, multicultural hub, Jackson Heights' evolution is a story of change and growth. The 1910 land sale was a pivotal moment in this journey, setting the stage for the diverse, food-loving community that thrives there today.

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