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 - 1980 to 1985
The early 1980s marks a drastic transition as the City enjoys another decade of prosperity while the exodus of middle class residents to suburban areas has radically altered the demographic. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum opens, as does the Helmsley Palace Hotel and Limelight nightclub. Much of the City is still in shambles but signs of recovery are everywhere as neighborhoods rebuild and New Yorkers find more opportunities in a growing economy.
1984: Empire State Building and New York's Skyline
Aerial photograph of the Empire State Building and Manhattan's skyline with Queens and Brooklyn visible in the background.
Artist Credit: Carol M. Highsmith. Reprinted with permission.
1980: Twin Towers, World Trade Center
Aerial photograph of World Trade Center Buildings Number 1 and 2, commonly known as the Twin Towers.
Artist Credit: Carol M. Highsmith. Reprinted with permission.
1980: Twin Towers and Lower Manhattan Skyline
Aerial Photograph of Lower Manhattan's skyline, prominently featuring the World Trade Center.
Artist Credit: Carol M. Highsmith. Reprinted with permission.
1980: Downtown Bridges, Looking North
Aerial photograph above the East River Shows the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges with Midtown's skyline visible in the distance.
Artist Credit: Carol M. Highsmith. Reprinted with permission.
1982: Governors Island
Photograph of Governor's Island with the World Trade Center visible in the background.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1984: Battery Place at the Hudson River
Photograph of the Hudson River and West end of Pier A, Battery Place, New York City.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: South Street Seaport Museum
Photograph of South Street Seaport Museum, Block bounded by John, South, Fulton, & Front Streets.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1980: The Wonder Wheel at Coney Island
Photograph of the Wonder Wheel and Carousel ride at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
Artist Credit: Carol M. Highsmith. Reprinted with permission.
1981: Brooklyn City Hall
Photograph of Brooklyn's City Hall, located at209 Joralemon Street, Kings County New York.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: Chambers Street Surrogates Court
Photograph of Surrogates Court, located at 31 Chambers Street in lower Manhattan.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: City Hall from the Southeast
Photograph of New York City Hall and City Hall Park taken from the southeast.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: City Hall Park
Photograph of New York City Hall's North elevation and City Hall Park.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1983: Chamber of Commerce Building
Photograph of the Chamber of Commerce Building, located on 65 Liberty Street.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: William J. Matheson Building
A Historic American Buildings Survey photograph showing east and north elevations of the William J. Matheson Building at 145-155 John Street.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1981: South Street Seaport
Photograph of traffic in South Street Seaport with the Woolworth Building visible in the background.
Artist Credit: Walter Smalling. Reprinted with permission.Next Chapter: History of NYC - 1985 to 1990
In the latter half of the 1980's New York City was working hard to recover from the decay of the 70's. It would take some time for the economic boom of this period to catch up w... Continue Reading