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A History of Greenwich Village
During the Revolutionary Period, General George Washington had his headquarters in The Village. Later, Vice President John Adams made his residence "out of the city." Adams' house was later owned by Aaron Burr. When Burr mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton in what was surely the most famous duel in American history, Hamilton was brought to William Bayard's house which stood across from 83 Horatio Street. The site is now an antiques store.
In the 19th century, the gridiron plan for streets was established. But in The Village, where winding streets already existed, the character established in Colonial days prevailed.
In 1868 the first elevated railroad was built near the Hudson river. Transportation improved, but neighborhoods became blighted. Homes became lodgings (Rooms to Let!) and many were torn down to give way to factories and warehouses. Frequently, houses were divided into apartments and interspersed between the remaining elegant old homes were breweries and small factories. Tenements sprang up.
Greenwich Village began to attract writers and intellectuals at an early date. By 1910 there was a combination of literary talent, independent thinkers with a zeal for social reform, and "bohemian" artists centered in the area. The Village today is still alive with their voices. Where artists and writers once lived, burning their candles at both ends, you will now find a more sedate atmosphere.