History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge. The project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating past. We restore vintage photographs and prints that document the City's history and heritage. We also research the natural forces that shaped the environment, along with the people who formed the landscape and culture.
History of NYC - 1880s
The 1880’s NYC would see increased commerce and growth in outer boroughs with the completion of both the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges. Other iconic moments during this decade include the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, the opening of Katz’s Delicatessen and the building of Hotel Chelsea and The Dakota. The Great Blizzard of 1888, also known as the “White Hurricane”, paralyzes the Eastern seaboard, causing temperatures in New York City to fall as much as 60 degrees.
1882: Statue of Liberty Construction
Photograph of workmen constructing the Statue of Liberty in Bartholdi's Parisian warehouse workshop before it was shipped to New York.
Artist Credit: Albert Fernique. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1898: Brooklyn Bridge Trolley
Photograph of a the trolley tracks on the Brooklyn Bridge. A city worker is seen cleaning the platform on the left while commuters are seen walking on the right.
Artist Credit: Robert N. Dennis. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1898: Brooklyn Bridge Trolley Station
Various Companies Operated Local Trolley Lines over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1880: New York Elevated Railway
A view looking down elevated railroad tracks. A train is approaching around the curve.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Getty
1880: Jefferson Market
View north along Sixth Avenue shows the Third Judicial District Courthouse, 425 Avenue of the Americas, currently known as Jefferson Market.
Artist Credit: Giorgio Cavalieri. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1880: New York City Hall
Aerial photograph of City Hall with its neighborhood buildings and surrounding park in downtown Manhattan.
Artist Credit: Charles Pollock. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1880: Croton Reservoir Looking South
Aerial photograph of Fifth Avenue looking south with Rutgers Female College on left and Croton Reservoir on right.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1885: The Vanderbilt Mansion
Photograph of 660 Fifth Avenue - the mansion of William K. and Alva Vanderbilt.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1886: Statue of Liberty Completed
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi's "Statue of Liberty" is erected on Bedloe's Island, in New York Harbor, becoming a symbol of American freedom and opportunity.
Artist Credit: Charles Magnus. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1885: Construction of Cooper Union
Magazine Illustration depicting the completion of Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1888: Blizzard of 1888 - Fulton Street
Photograph shows a view of Fulton Street toward the ferry after snow plows have cleared a path through the blizzard.
Artist Credit: C. H. Jordan. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1888: Blizzard of 1888 - Piles of Snow
Photograph shows piles of snow taller than a group of men posing in front of a storefront during the Blizzard of 1888.
Artist Credit: Clifford Jordan. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1888: The Brooklyn Bridge Promenade
Photograph of pedestrians walking the Promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1883: Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Promenade
An early photograph of the recently opened Brooklyn Bridge promenade - a much needed connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1885: Under The Brooklyn Bridge
Photograph of East River boats passing underneath the Brooklyn Bridge overpass.
Artist Credit: Benjamin West Kilburn. Reprinted with permission. GettyNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1890s
The 1890s were a pivotal point in NYC history. Washington Square Arch, Carnegie Hall are built and the New York Public Library established while the U.S. Immigrant Inspection St... Continue Reading