Dominicans comprise the largest immigration group in modern New York City, and Dominican culture has become embedded in the city’s rich fabric of immigrant history. And in one place in particular — Washington Heights.
This historic neighborhood of Upper Manhattan is named for George Washington, who led the Continental Army in an early, pivotal battle here during the Revolutionary War.
But this place is also named for its Heights, the highest elevation in Manhattan, which gives the modern neighborhood a unique feel, with rolling hills and avenues.
Today, many call it “little Dominican Republic,” home to the largest Dominican neighborhood in the United States (although more Dominicans live in the Bronx overall).
It’s here that Dominican and Puerto Rican culture blend as well — from the shops and restaurants to the famous bodegas — alongside other Latin influences and the vestiges of groups who lived here before — Jewish, Irish, African-American.
Greg and Tom explore the unique relationship between the Dominican Republic and New York City — and believe it or not, this story begins before the founding of New Amsterdam! It also includes the story of a particular plaza in lower Manhattan, dedicated to Juan Pablo Duarte, the ‘founding father of the Dominican Republic’.
Starting in the 1960s, thousands of Dominicans immigrated to the United States — and most to New York City. Special guest Dr. Ramona Hernández, the director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, joins the Bowery Boys to discuss the extraordinary circumstances that led to this population influx and details the many reasons why Dominican culture still thrives in the Big Apple.
LISTEN NOW: DOMINICAN NEW YORK — HISTORY IN THE HEIGHTS
The Bowery Boys Podcast is proud to be sponsored by Founded By NYC, celebrating New York City’s 400th anniversary in 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Discover the exciting events and world-class institutions that commemorate the five boroughs’ legacy of groundbreaking achievements, and find ways to celebrate the city that’s always making history at Founded by NYC.
On behalf of Founded By NYC, we’d also like to invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Through October 15th, cultural institutions and neighborhoods across the boroughs will be celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans and Latin American culture in New York City.
Check out the latest exhibitions at El Museo del Barrio, focusing on Cuban American and New York-born and based Coco Fusco, as well as new acquisitions for the permanent collection.
On September 21st, the Mexican Day Parade takes off down Madison Avenue toward Madison Square Park , while — the very same day! — The Hispanic Day parade proceeds through Jackson Heights, Queens, what a day.
The Center for Brooklyn History will host a two-day Afro-Latino film Festival on October 7th and 8th, focusing on Panama, highlighted by a documentary by musician Rubén Blades just a few days before the Panamanian Parade in Crown Heights.
And in late October, the Dominican Film Festival will be held at the United Palace and the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center.
You can read about all of the other exciting events and world-class institutions that are commemorating the five boroughs’ legacy of groundbreaking achievements and find ways to celebrate the city that’s always making history at foundedbynyc.com.
Our thanks to Dr. Ramona Hernández for joining us on the Bowery Boys Podcast! Click here to see the interactive map showcasing the Geographic Boundaries of the Dominican Historic District
A few stops along the Dominican Heritage District:
Not on the map but a good place to stop while making your way through the neighborhood:
This shop also jumped out to me on my walk:
FURTHER LISTENING
After listening to this episode on Dominican New York, dive back into these episodes which share similar themes and locations.
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Founded by NYC: Historic Haunts of Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
As the leaves turn and October nights grow longer, there’s no better time to explore the ghostly side of New York City’s founding 400 years ago… with a haunted history walking tour!
The Founded by NYC: Historic Haunts of Lower Manhattan walking tour takes you on a spine-tingling journey through the very streets where our city began.
You’ll start at Bowling Green, where the spirits of Manhattan’s original inhabitants still wander, then venture to Fraunces Tavern, where Revolutionary War ghosts refuse to leave their posts.
Peek into Trinity Churchyard, where 120,000 bodies lie just 18 inches beneath your feet, and discover St. Paul’s Chapel, where ghostly actors search for their missing heads. You’ll encounter the corrupt spirit of Boss Tweed still haunting his courthouse… and wind up at one of the creepiest sites in the city, Blood Manor.
This isn’t just any ghost tour – it’s a journey through 400 years of New York history, from Dutch New Amsterdam to the present day.
Founded by NYC: Historic Haunts of Lower Manhattan runs select nights in September and October. Visit BoweryBoysWalks.com to book your spot on this limited edition walking tour before it sells out. That’s BoweryBoysWalks.com.