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 - 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 Station begins operating on Ellis Island. The City of Greater New York created, consolidating the existing City of New York with the eastern Bronx, Brooklyn, most of Queens County, and Staten Island.
1890: Aerial View of The Battery
The Port of New York - a bird's eye view from the Battery, looking south.
Artist Credit: Currier & Ives. Reprinted with permission.
1898: Dewey Arch
The Dewey Arch was a triumphal arch that stood from 1899 to 1900 at Madison Square in Manhattan. It was erected for a parade in honor of Admiral George Dewey.
Artist Credit: Detroit Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission.
1890: Newspaper Row
An aerial photograph of Park Row, also known as Newspaper Row as it became the epicenter of 19th century news.
Artist Credit: Detroit Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission.
1890: New York Streetcar
Photograph of commuters waiting to board a New York City streetcar, headed towards 23rd Street and Broadway.
Artist Credit: Joseph Byron. Reprinted with permission.
1893: The Terminal, Old Post Office
Photograph of horse drawn trolleys on a snow covered street in Manhattan
Artist Credit: Alfred Stieglitz. Reprinted with permission.
1896: New York City Bicycle Messenger
Photograph of a young messenger posing with his bicycle.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1899: The Waldorf Astoria
Photograph of the Waldorf-Astoria built in 1893 on 5th Avenue, south from 35th Street.
Artist Credit: J.S. Johnston. Reprinted with permission.
1899: Jewish Market on the East Side
Photograph of a busy East side street lined with Jewish markets and filled with pedestrians.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1893: Union Square, Looking Southwest
Aerial photograph above Union Square filled with people and horses and the Lincoln Statue in the foreground.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1894: The Decker Building, Union Square
Photograph of the Decker Building overlooking Union Square. The structure was completed in 1892 for the Decker Brothers piano company, and designed by John H. Edelmann.
Artist Credit: J.S. Johnston. Reprinted with permission.
1896: Union Square Cab Driver
Photograph of a hansom driver standing in front of horse and cab.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1895: Broadway and John Street
Photograph of Broadway near John Street filled with carriages and pedestrians.
Artist Credit: A. Loeffler. Reprinted with permission.
1896: Along the Bowery
Photograph showing elevated railroad, delivery wagons, streetcars, buildings and people in lower Manhattan.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1890: Statue of Liberty
Photograph of the Statue of Liberty with her torch illuminating the sky over New York Harbor.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1895: Fulton Ferry Brooklyn Bridge
Photograph of the Fulton Ferry crossing the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
Artist Credit: Detroit Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission.Next Chapter: History of NYC - 1900 to 1905
At the turn of the Twentieth Century, NYC was growing by leaps and bounds. The city would see many landmarks constructed during this era, including the Williamsburg Bridge, the ... Continue Reading