9. Dorrance Brooks Square .04 Acres

At the intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue and Edgecomb Avenue, between 136th Street and 137th Street is this small square named in honor of a Harlem-born, African American solder who fought in World War I. As the Parks Department describes, “Until 1948 African American soldiers served in segregated divisions, which usually provided only support functions, but the 15th NY Infantry was renamed the 369th United States Infantry and assigned to fight in the French Army’s 161st Division. The black soldiers proved courageous in battle and earned many decorations. Brooks distinguished himself in battle by taking charge of the remnants of his company after the enemy severely reduced their numbers and killed the commanding officers.”

Over 10,000 people celebrated the dedication of this triangle in 1925.