Twitter Celebrates 'Little Dominican Republic' Add To Google Maps

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Eagle-eyed Google Maps users scrolling through Upper Manhattan in recent months might have noticed the online map now has the words "Little Dominican Republic" printed in big letters near West 178th Street.

The area was officially given the name in September 2018, with a footprint that goes from 145th Street to 220th Street.

However, while the name was made official in 2018, it has taken longer for the neighborhood title to get on Google Maps.

Social media was buzzing on Tuesday in celebration of the Little Dominican Republic name appearing in large font on Google Maps next to neighborhoods like Inwood, Fort George, Hudson Heights, and Washington Heights.

Both the Uptown Collective, an online news site for Upper Manhattan, and the Rick H. Podcast, sent out tweets Tuesday celebrating the addition.

While Patch isn't positive exactly when the Little Dominican Republic name was Google Maps, there are references and pictures of the new name appearing on the online map dating back to November 2020.

Google did not immediately respond to Patch's question about the exact date of addition.

“There is so much that we as Dominicans have to offer and be proud of," Rosita Romero, Executive Director of the Dominican Women's Development Center in 2018, told the Manhattan Times at the time of official name addition. "The name ‘Little DR’ is attractive to people of all ages and nationalities who want to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience without having to leave the U.S.”

One Twitter user wrote Tuesday that a celebration in honor of Little Dominican Republic getting added to Google Maps was needed.

"Going to Malecon to celebrate," he wrote.