DEFINING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, NY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
2.3 million people. As many as 138 languages spoken here. Over 125 different neighborhoods.
Southeastern Queens: Jamaica Estates
Jamaica Estates is a wealthy neighborhood created by the Jamaica Estates company in the early 1900’s. Today this area boasts a strong South Asian American population.
Pictured is St. John’s University. Technically, located on the fringes of Jamaica, it’s located on Utopia Parkway, at the beginning of the area known as Hillcrest. St. John’s University was originally founded as the College of St. John the Baptist in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. It wasn’t until 1954 that the University broke ground on this campus, which was formerly the Hillcrest Golf Club.
In 1995, due to pressure from the Native American community the team mascot the Redmen was changed to the more politically correct Red Storm.
The History section is in collaboration with Steve Vazquez of Queenscapes.