Harlem, City of New York: Its Origin and Early Annals is a comprehensive historical account of the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. Written by James Riker, a historian and genealogist, the book explores the origins of Harlem and its early development from a rural Dutch settlement to a bustling urban neighborhood. The book covers the period from the arrival of the Dutch in the 1600s to the mid-19th century, when Harlem was still primarily a rural area. Riker describes the early settlers of Harlem, including the Dutch farmers who established the first farms and the African slaves who were brought to the area to work on them. He also provides detailed accounts of the various Native American tribes who lived in the area before the arrival of the Europeans. Throughout the book, Riker explores the social, economic, and political factors that shaped Harlem's development. He discusses the growth of the area's economy, including the rise of the shipping industry and the development of the Harlem River as a major transportation route. He also examines the role of slavery in the area and the impact of the American Revolution on Harlem's residents. Harlem, City of New York: Its Origin and Early Annals is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of New York City or the development of urban neighborhoods in America. Riker's meticulous research and detailed descriptions provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.