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 - 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 Flatiron Building, Macy’s at Herald Square and Luna Park, which we know today as Coney Island. The NYC Subway system was also completed, and would contribute greatly to the growth of local businesses and the facility of commuting for the city’s now bustling population of 3.4 million inhabitants.
1900: Mulberry Street Markets
Vendors line up on Mulberry Street and draw a large crowd of shoppers taking advantage of the open-air market.
Artist Credit: Thomas Horner. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1902: Main Hall at Ellis Island's Immigration Station
Interior view of immigrants seated on long benches and awaiting processing at the Main Hall of the Immigration Station at Ellis Island
Artist Credit: Edwin Levick. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1904: Immigrants at Ellis Island, New York Harbor
Immigrants waiting to be processed at Ellis Island. New York had become a Wonder City and beacon of hope for people all over the world.
Artist Credit: A. Loeffler. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1902: Immigrants Being Served a Meal at Ellis Island
The facility at Ellis Island was equipped with a dining hall which was often used to provide free food for weary travelers after their long voyage.
Artist Credit: Edwin Levick. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1902: Money Exchange at Ellis Island's Immigrant Station
Immigrants ready for travel with baggages lined up at teller's windows marked money exchange.
Artist Credit: Edwin Levick. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1902: Ellis Island Immigrants Bound For Manhattan
A line of immigrants has passed all phases of inspection at Ellis Island and await the ferry to Manhattan where they will begin their new lives.
Artist Credit: Edwin Levick. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1902: Immigrant Station at Ellis Island
An exterior perspective of Immigration Station at Ellis Island, with ferry docked at the adjacent pier.
Artist Credit: Edwin Levick. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1900: Piers at the Foot of Wall Street
A photograph of the piers at Wall Street with two large boats docked and a Colgate carriage with horses parked on the promenade.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: East River Docks
Photograph of canal boats at the East River docks with Manhattan's downtown skyline in the background.
Artist Credit: Detroit Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Williamsburg Bridge Construction
Photograph of a growing Williamsburg Bridge, spanning the East River and facing Brooklyn.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Coney Island Beach
Photograph of crowds celebrating the Fourth of July on the shores of Coney Island.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Mulberry Street in Little Italy
A picture of pedestrians on Mulberry Street, located in the heart of a bustling Italian neighborhood.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Peanut Stand at West 42nd Street
Children purchasing snacks from a street vendor on West 42nd Street.
Artist Credit: André Jammes. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1901: Man Asking for Spare Change
A man with an eyepatch and facial scars asking for spare change from a passing pedestrian.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Easter Flower Market on Union Square
Photograph of a man selling flowers to customers, framed by large bouquets against the iconic backdrop of the surrounding buildings.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission. Library of CongressNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1905 to 1910
The City's magnetic personality continues to attract a growing and culturally diverse population. Travelers, migrants and fugitives would be drawn to its shores from across the ... Continue Reading