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 - 1870s
In 1870, Long Island City was formed in Queens. Four years later, New York City annexed the West Bronx, west of the Bronx River. This era would come to be known as “the Gilded Age” – a time of radical progress but also great instability as the city’s population continued to grow beyond its capacity. This era would also see the nation’s first Centennial Anniversary, which was the cause of much fanfare and festivities as America reached a new milestone.
1873: Sunrise Over New York Harbor
An aerial view of the southern tip of Manhattan during the early morning hours. Illustration includes the shores of Brooklyn and New Jersey.
Artist Credit: Ferd. Mayer & Sons. Reprinted with permission.
1873: Central Park and Midtown Manhattan
A bird's-eye view of New York with Central Park in the foreground.
Artist Credit: George Schlegel. Reprinted with permission.
1874: Central Park, New York
A painting which shows New Yorkers enjoying the foliage and scenery at Central Park.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1871: Lake Manahatta Reservoir
The Lake Manahatta Reservoir was built between 1858 and 1862 as a temporary water supply for the city, receiving water from the Croton Aqueduct.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1873: View Over Union Square
Views of Union Square, including the park, equestrian statue of George Washington, and the rustic buildings which once inhabited the neighborhood.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1876: Washington Equestrian Statue from Above on Decoration Day
An elevated perspective of the Washington Statue at Union Square, surrounded by crowds of people and decorated for Decoration Day.
Artist Credit: Peter F. Weil. Reprinted with permission.
1876: Washington Equestrian Statue on Decoration Day
Washington Statue at Union Square, decorated with foliage and flags for Decoration Day.
Artist Credit: Peter F. Weil. Reprinted with permission.
1871: St. Patrick's Day at Union Square
Print shows portion of a St. Patrick's Day parade at Union Square with a float in the center bearing a bust of Daniel O'Connell.
Artist Credit: Lucian Gray. Reprinted with permission.
1870: Madison Square Park
Photograph of a row of buildings and storefronts taken from the perspective of Madison Square Park.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1875: Grand Central Depot
The Grand Central Depot was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1871 on the site we know today as Grand Central Terminal.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1870: Elevated Railroad Station
Photograph of an elevated railroad station constructed by the Manhattan Railway Company.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1870: Elevated Station on a Busy Street
A train is stopped at an elevated station on a street filled with pedestrians and horse drawn coaches.
Artist Credit: William H. Rau. Reprinted with permission.
1870: Immigrants Just Arrived at Ellis Island
A photograph of the waiting room at Ellis Island, where recently arrived immigrants await examination.
Artist Credit: Underwood & Underwood. Reprinted with permission.
1875: Market Under The East River Bridge
Photograph of a bustling street market below the overpass of the Brooklyn Bridge
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1876: Lincoln Monument at Union Square on Decoration Day
An elevated view of celebrations at Union Square Park on Decoration Day, or as we would currently know it, Memorial Day.
Artist Credit: Peter F. Weil. Reprinted with permission.Next Chapter: History of NYC - 1880s
The 1880's NYC would see increased commerce and growth in outer boroughs with the completion of both the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges. Other iconic moments during this... Continue Reading