Introduction
Christopher Mammano
The Dutch originally settled Flushing, the northernmost region of Queens, in 1645. It was named after the Netherlands port town of Vlissingen. Flushing is by far the largest neighborhood in all of Queens. It is nearly equidistant to Manhattan, Long Island, and the Bronx. Flushing is easily traveled to by car and or public transportation. The 7 train runs directly into Flushing from Manhattan, the Q44 bus runs from the Bronx into Flushing, and the Long Island Rail Road services Flushing as well. The Railroad of course connects Flushing to both Long Island and Manhattan. Flushing’s transit has a very detailed history. The development of the Railroad, and the 7 Train has made it possible for Flushing to the prime spot of business, travel, and settlement that is today.
Flushing is an entirely unique neighborhood due to its size and extreme diversity among ethnicities and faiths. There are over 200 places of worship in this urban neighborhood of about 2.5 square miles. Flushing contains many synagogues, churches, mosques and even Buddhist temples. There is diversity in faith as there is in ethnicity. Flushing is home to many Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christians, as well as many Orthodox sects of Judaism. Flushing is unique in its totally diverse demography. Residents of Flushing hail from all regions of the world. Some of the many ethnic groups that live in Flushing are: Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hispanic, Greek, Italian, African, Jewish, Indian, Pakistani, Afghan and Bangladeshi.
Flushing is unique for its vast diversity and rich detailed history. Flushing contains many historical sites and landmarks. A few of these historic sites are the John Bowne House, the Flushing Theater, Town Hall, Kissena Park, and Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Flushing was the site of two world fairs. The first worlds fair took place in 1939 (this was the largest worlds fair and the first to incorporate cultural exchange) and the second in 1964. Both worlds fairs took place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, a fascinating 1,255 acre park. Flushing is not only the site of countless historical landmarks but also contains some unique and active locations today. Flushing contains Citi Field, the former Shea Stadium, Arthur Ashe Stadium (the site of the US tennis opens), and the extremely busy LaGuardia Airport. Flushing is also renown for its abundance of great ethnic restaurants, and markets. Some of Flushing’s other active sites are its many educational facilities. Queens College, Queens Borough College, and Towns and Harris specialized high, and the landmarked Flushing High school are all part of the many educational facilities encompassing Flushing today.
