When Jamaica Lost Its Forests and Beavers, I Was Born in That Jamaica!

Unlike Narita Airport, JFK Airport is located within NYC. However, just like Narita, the tens of thousands of travelers arriving daily do not explore the areas around the airport.

Manhattan and Brooklyn offer a high density of entertainment options, but Queens, frankly, is generally not very exciting. However, if I were to say that, this series would end here, so I will introduce three interesting spots in Queens, particularly near JFK.

First, let's delve into history. Jamaica was an important village since the Dutch colonial era. At that time, it was called Rustdorp, and in 1664, when the British occupied it, they renamed it Jameco out of consideration for the indigenous people living in Canarsie and Rockaway (in the native language, yamecah means beaver).

Later, for some reason, Jameco became Jamaica, and in that era, there were still many forests inhabited by numerous beavers, whose resources formed the basis of their economy.

Fast forward 101 years, and Jamaica had lost its forests and beavers when I was born in that Jamaica! At that time, Jamaica was a very poor, dark, and dangerous area, but perhaps because I was a cute child, or perhaps because the residents at the time had already given up and didn't care, I didn't feel the crime was that severe. That said, I wouldn't want to live there again.

Today, if you visit Jamaica, the town has improved considerably. In the 70s, it was a neighborhood almost exclusively populated by African Americans, but now, with an increase in immigrants from Central and South America, Asia, and India, it has a completely different atmosphere from Manhattan. To put it crudely, it feels like a developing country.

Among these, the King Manor Museum on Jamaica Avenue is particularly fascinating! Built around 1790 as a farmhouse, it became the residence of Rufus King, a principal author of the U.S. Constitution, from 1805. It has recently undergone complete restoration, which gives it a very peculiar feel. Perhaps due to its location in Jamaica, the mansion itself feels almost spectral.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Adjacent to JFK Airport, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a renowned birdwatching spot located in the marshes and estuaries within NYC. Due to global warming, the number of birds seems to be decreasing each year, so it might be best to visit soon!

Rockaway Beach
Are you familiar with The Ramones' song 'Rockaway Beach'? In fact, The Ramones were also born and raised in Queens. Regardless, Rockaway Beach is a real place, and it is indeed a beach. You can get there by subway. This location is also near the airport, making it perfect for those who enjoy watching planes. The ocean is beautiful, but the waves are extremely rough, so never swim when lifeguards are not present. People drown here every year. However, that's precisely why you can surf! With a wetsuit, it's fine even in winter. In summer, you can enjoy it in a swimsuit. Apparently, the best spot for surfing is around 90th street.

Reference Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica,_Queens
http://www.kingmanor.org/Home.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Bay_Wildlife_Refuge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockaway_Beach,_Queens
http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html