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History of Maiden Lane

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History of Maiden Lane

In the heart of lower Manhattan, the street now known as Maiden Lane was once a Lenape footpath beside a freshwater stream where Indigenous women gathered for daily work, connection, and community. We honor their history and affirm our commitment to compassionate, inclusive care for all who come through our doors.  

Deeper history:

Long before lower Manhattan became a dense urban center, this area was home to the Lenape, an Indigenous people whose stewardship of the region stretches back thousands of years. The land around what is now Maiden Lane followed a freshwater stream and footpath used by Lenape women for gathering water, washing, preparing food, and connecting with one another. These daily practices created a vibrant, communal space shaped by women’s labor, relationships, and care. 

The Lenape lived in seasonal villages across present-day New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and they cultivated a sophisticated relationship with the land — tending fields, managing waterways, and maintaining extensive trade networks. Their society was centered on kinship, reciprocity, and collective responsibility. 

Through colonization, conflict, and displacement, Lenape communities were forced from this area in the 17th and 18th centuries. Yet the Lenape people persist today as the Lenapehoking diaspora, including the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, the Ramapough Lenape Nation, and other Lenape descendants who continue cultural, linguistic, and governmental traditions. 

We honor this history and the Lenape people past and present, and we remain committed to providing dignified, skilled, and compassionate care for all who come through our doors. To learn more, visit Lenape Center online or in-person (by appointment). 

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A Brief Timeline from the Dutch Colonial Era to Modern Day: Maiden Lane, New York City

Source: Untapped New York)  

17th Century (New Amsterdam era)

The path was a foot-trail used by the Dutch. Known as Maagde Paatje (“Maiden Path”) along a brook, used by women to gather and do laundry.
The street was formally laid and cobbled.

17th Century (New Amsterdam era)

1698

The southern end of the street became home to the Fly Market — a covered market for fish, meat, and produce, which later became New York’s longest-running market.

1698

April 6, 1712

A significant slave revolt in New York occurred when 23 enslaved Black and Native American people escaped from a slave market near Wall Street, set fire to a building on Maiden Lane, and killed nine people.

April 6, 1712

September 1732-1734

New York’s first professional theatre — the The Play House — operated in an upstairs room at Maiden Lane & Pearl Street.

September 1732-1734

19th Century

The Fly Market slip was filled in; Maiden Lane became a shopping district. Cast-iron storefronts appeared (e.g., the one at 90-94 Maiden Lane).

19th Century

1827

The New York Arcade (a skylit block of forty shops) was built on Maiden Lane inspired by London’s Burlington Arcade—but failed financially and was soon demolished.

1827

Mid-20th Century

Maiden Lane became known as a Jewelry District — many jewelers and clock-makers had shops there.

Mid-20th Century

Present day

The street now runs through the Financial District and links historical layers: from early laundries & markets, to theatre & commerce, to high-rise offices.
We are proud to have our flagship location at 90 Maiden Lane, an address rooted in the history of New York City.

Present day

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