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.
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. Library of Congress
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. Library of Congress
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. Library of Congress
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. Library of Congress
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. Library of Congress
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. 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