Hot Dogs, Hipsters, and Xenophobia: Immigrant Street Food Vendors in New York

Street food vending has always been closely linked with New York City’s status as a hub for immigrants. As early as 1641, fur pelts and fish were traded outdoors to the first residents of New Amsterdam. In the 1800’s, before the Civil War, Irish women known as "Apple Marys" vended apples, while German women, including many political refugees who fled after the Revolution of 1848, were known for selling pretzels out of baskets. The famous "hot corn girls" tempted customers with their food and songs.