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 - 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 globe to take their shot at the American Dream. During this time the transit system would grow exponentially. Two of the city’s largest hubs, Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station, were already beginning to take shape – their construction representing the ambition of the city itself and connecting the colorful tapestry of people who would define the life and vibe in New York for generations to come.
1905: Photographing NYC from 18 Stories
A photographer shooting the skyline 18 stories above pavement of Fifth Avenue, as he sits on a thin support beam of a skyscraper under construction.
Artist Credit: Underwood & Underwood. Reprinted with permission. Getty
1908: The Heart of Downtown New York City
A panoramic photograph of Manhattan's downtown skyline, including City Hall and the Singer Building.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1908: Excavations for Grand Central Station
Construction workers clear several stories of earth and rock to lay the groundwork for what would become one of the city's most busy transit network.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Construction of Grand Central Terminal
Construction on Grand Central Terminal started on June 19, 1903, as New York state legislature would ban all steam trains in Manhattan by 1908.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1908: The First Tracks of Grand Central Station
A straight perspective following the direction of the newly laid train tracks which would help to service thousands, and eventually millions of commuters a day.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1908: Crowd in Front of Grand Central Terminal
A crowd of pedestrians pass the entrance of Grand Central Terminal with horse carriages and trolleys visible on the street.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Construction Workers on the 27th Floor of the New Times Building
Workmen risking their lives 27 stories above ground at the construction site of the new "Times" Building, New York City.
Artist Credit: Underwood & Underwood. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1908: Times Square, New York
A daytime photograph of Times Square and the New Times Building, with pedestrians and trolleys in the foreground.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Main Concourse at Pennsylvania Station
A photograph which illustrates the great style, symmetry and lighting of Penn Station's Main Concourse.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Main Waiting Room at Pennsylvania Station
Interior view of Penn Station's famously opulent waiting room, with its high vaulted ceilings and turn-of-the-century stonework.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Track Level and Concourses at Pennsylvania Station
Interior view of Penn Station's concourses, drenched by the sun due to the greenhouse-inspired design of its glass ceiling.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Track Level, Concourses and Exits at Pennsylvania Station
A three quarter perspective shows the tracks, concourses and exits of a brightly illuminated Penn Station.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1908: Piers Along South Street
Aerial photograph of South Street Seaport with the East River and Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
Artist Credit: Detroit Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1906: Williamsburg Bridge Plaza, Brooklyn New York
Aerial view of the Plaza at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, New York.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1905: Elevated (L) Station at Chatham Square
Chatham Square was an express station on the demolished IRT Third Avenue Line. Its lower level served trains of the IRT Second and Third Avenue Lines.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of CongressNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1910 to 1915
At the dawn of another decade, New York's expansion and cultural influence show no signs of slowing. The New York Public Library's main branch was completed and just a few block... Continue Reading