What was the original name of the former slum district south of Chatham Square?

The original name of the former slum district south of Chatham Square is indeed Five Points. This area gained notoriety in the 19th century as a densely populated neighborhood characterized by poverty, crime, and overcrowding. It was famously depicted in various literary and artistic works of the time, highlighting the struggles and hardships of the immigrant populations living there, primarily Irish, Italian, and African American communities. The name Five Points refers to the intersection of five streets that converged in the area, and it became synonymous with urban squalor and the socio-economic issues of that period.

The other locations mentioned, such as Little Italy and Harlem, represent different cultural and geographical areas within New York City. Little Italy is known for its Italian immigrant heritage, while Harlem has a significant African American cultural history, particularly in the context of the Harlem Renaissance. The Bowery, while a historic district that experienced its own decline and revitalization, is not synonymous with the specific reputation of Five Points. Thus, the identification of Five Points is accurate in the context of the question about the slum district south of Chatham Square.