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: Cab Stand at Madison Square Park
Two women passing a row of horse-drawn carriages as they walk alongside Madison Square Park.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1902: Flatiron Building Under Construction
Construction of the Flatiron Building by George A. Fuller Construction Company in 1902.
Artist Credit: Charles L. Ritzmann. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1903: Flatiron Building from Madison Square Park
Families stroll through Madison Square Park, its trees framing the recently completed Flatiron Building.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1904: Grand Central Station Waiting Room
Interior view of Grand Central's waiting room, completed in October of 1900
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1903: New York Times Building Under Construction
New York Times Building Under Construction at One Times Square. Completed in 1904 to serve as the headquarters of The New York Times.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1901: Rapid Transit Construction Work at Union Square
Rapid transit construction work at Union Square at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and 14th Street, New York City, June 8, 1901
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Brooklyn Bridge, New York
A perspective of Brooklyn from the Brooklyn Bridge, framed by a B.M.T. train and commuters in 1900.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Elevated Railroad at Chatham Square
Located at the intersecton of Bowery and Division Street, Chatham Square was an express station on the IRT Third Avenue Line. It had two levels.
Artist Credit: Benjamin West Kilburn. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: City Hall Park
Aerial photograph of City Hall Park and surrounding buildings.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: The Bowery near Grand Street
A steam-powered locomotive awaits boarding passengers on the Bowery's elevated train line near Grand Street.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Elevated Tracks on Sixth Avenue North of 14th Street
Crowds of shoppers fill the busy streets north of 14th Street in the shade of the elevated train which once ran along 6th Avenue.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1900: Man on Derrick Load at the New Union Square Building
Construction worker perched 5 stories above the ground during the construction of a new building at Union Square.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1904: Construction of New Pennsylvania Station
Aerial view of the New Pennsylvania Station whose construction is nearly complete.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1904: Waterfront on West Street
View along waterfront on West Street with many freight wagons, street cars and the buzz of daily activity.
Artist Credit: André Jammes. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1902: The Speedway near High Bridge
The Harlem River Speedway was opened in 1898, inviting sightseers to enjoy the spectacular views of the new waterfront esplanade.
Artist Credit: A. Loeffler. 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