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: 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.
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.
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.
1904: Construction of New Pennsylvania Station
Aerial view of the New Pennsylvania Station whose construction is nearly complete.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
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.
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.
1904: City Hall Subway Station Under Construction
Construction underway at the City Hall Loop. In 1904, the first subway train departed from City Hall station with Mayor McClellan at the controls.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1903: Opening of Williamsburg Bridge
The Williamsburg Bridge opened on December 19, 1903, at a cost of $24.2 million. At the time it was the longest suspension bridge span in the world.
Artist Credit: A. Loeffler. Reprinted with permission.
1904: The Whitehall Building
The original Whitehall Building was constructed from 1902 as a speculative office building designed by architect Henry Hardenbergh.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1903: Broadway and Times Building
One Times Square was completed in 1904 to serve as the headquarters of The New York Times, which officially moved into the building in January 1905
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1903: New York Times Building
Photograph of the New York Times Building. Though construction was complete, the New York Times would not officially take residence there until 1905.
Artist Credit: Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz. Reprinted with permission.
1904: Times Square at Night
The bright lights of Times Square are not a new phenomenon as this picture reveals, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.Next 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
