New York City in the 1870s

An aerial view of the southern tip of Manhattan during the early morning hours. Illustration includes the shores of Brooklyn and New Jersey.

A bird’s-eye view of New York with Central Park in the foreground.

A drawing which shows New Yorkers enjoying the foliage and scenery at Central Park.

The Lake Manahatta Reservoir was built between 1858 and 1862 as a temporary water supply for the city, receiving water from the Croton Aqueduct.

Views of Union Square, including the park, equestrian statue of George Washington, and the rustic buildings which once inhabited the neighborhood.

An elevated perspective of the Washington Statue at Union Square, surrounded by crowds of people and decorated for Decoration Day.

Washington Statue at Union Square, decorated with foliage and flags for Decoration Day.

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.

Photograph of a row of buildings and storefronts taken from the perspective of Madison Square Park.

The Grand Central Depot was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1871 on the site we know today as Grand Central Terminal.

Photograph of an elevated railroad station constructed by the Manhattan Railway Company.

A train is stopped at an elevated station on a street filled with pedestrians and horse drawn coaches.

A photograph of the waiting room at Ellis Island, where recently arrived immigrants await examination.

Photograph of a bustling street market below the overpass of the Brooklyn Bridge

An elevated view of celebrations at Union Square Park on Decoration Day, or as we would currently know it, Memorial Day.