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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1905: Manhattan Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan commuters flock near the entrance to the pedestrian walkway and elevated train station of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1906: Emigrants in the Pens at Ellis Island
Crowds will the rows, or "pens" at Ellis Island, probably on or near Christmas as evidenced by the decorations.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1907: Arriving at Ellis Island
Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island for processing in 1907.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Pedestrians in Chinatown
A Chinese-American man walking with son on the street in NYC's Chinatown district.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Praying On the Williamsburg Bridge
A group of Jewish citizens recite prayers on the pedestrian path of the Williamsburg Bridge for the Jewish New Year.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1905: Concert in Central Park
Spectators enjoy a musical performance at one of Central Park's pavilions.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1905: Central Park - Lake and Terrace
A small crowd gathers near Bethesda Fountain to enjoy pleasant weather and boat rides on the lake.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1905: The Belmont Coach on Fifth Avenue
The street is packed with the traffic of horses and carriages at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1908: Meeting of the Unemployed at Union Square
Unemployed men and boys meet in Union Square, which as the name implies was a common meeting point for both celebrations and protests.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1905: Riverside Drive, New York City
Horse and carriage making its way along Riverside Drive, an avenue which was opened in 1880 and was well-used by walkers, bikers, and drivers.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1906: Broad Street Lunch Carts
Street vendors selling hotdogs and lemonade on Broad Street in Manhattan.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1905: Children Playing Near a Dead Horse
Children (all but one seem to be barefoot) playing in the street gutter around puddles of filth and raw sewage, sitting just within a few feet of a dead horse.
Artist Credit: Joseph Byron. Reprinted with permission.
1908: Catching Goldfish in Union Square
Children trying to catch goldfish in the remaining puddles of Union Square's Fountain.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Downtown Broadway
Photograph of a busy downtown street, Looking up Broadway from Custom House.
Artist Credit: Stereo Travel Company. Reprinted with permission.
1906: Elevated Railroad at 8th Avenue
Horses and carriages move along the underpass of the elevated train tracks following 8th Avenue.
Artist Credit: Standard Scenic Company. Reprinted with permission.
1908: Italian Street Vendors
A few of many street vendors selling their goods at the Italian Feast of San Gennaro, which is still celebrated in a similar manner today.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1905: Blizzard on 23rd Street
Rows of carriages on 23rd Street are blockaded from the January 24th storm which covered the city in 11" of snow.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1908: Wagons Removing Snow
Photograph shows a line of horse-drawn wagons hauling snow after a blizzard in New York City.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1909: New York City Police Department
A group of New York City police officers pose together in front of a precinct.
Artist Credit: W.O. Lewin. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Chinatown Decorated for New Year
Photograph of Mott Street decorated for New Year, Jan. 21, 1909 - looking toward Port Arthur restaurant.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1907: Macy's Building and Herald Square
Shoppers and commuters fill Herald Square in front of Macy's famous department store.
Artist Credit: Irving Underhill. Reprinted with permission.
1907: Union Square Fountain
A close-up view of the Union Square Fountain with the Metropolitan Building in the background.
Artist Credit: Standard Scenic Company. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Hotels from the Lake in Central Park
A photograph shot from the perspective of the lake at Central Park towards the luxury hotels which form the skyline.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Dutch Dancers at The Waldorf
A group of young dancers in traditional Dutch attire dance at the rooftop terrace of The Waldorf Astoria.
Artist Credit: George Grantham Bain. Reprinted with permission.
1909: Half Moon on The Hudson
Henry Hudsons' vessel, the "Half Moon" is reconstructed and sailed in the river as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in 1909.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1908: The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges
An iconic view of the both East River bridges with downtown Manhattan in the background and plenty of traffic in the East River.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1908: Aerial View of Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn
Spectacular view, looking east from the Singer Tower - all three East River Bridges are visible from this perspective.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1907: Election Night in Times Square
Voters congregate near the Times Building at the "Great White Way" (Broadway from 42nd to 34th Sts.)
Artist Credit: H.C. White Co. Reprinted with permission.Next 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
