In 1848, the Aqueduct Bridge, as it was officially called, opened across the Harlem River. It was an immediate success, and became a popular curiosity and attraction. People could walk across the top and see spectacular views of New York and surrounding areas. A rendering of a high bridge as […]
The New York City Draft Riots, July 1863
Burning of the Colored Orphan Asylum on the first day of the Draft Riots. The Mob in New-York First page of the New York Times, Tuesday July 14, 1863. A depiction by a British reporter of the fire set at the Provost Marshal’s Office. The Ninth District Headquarters was located […]
The Elevated Railroads of New York City
Engineer Charles T. Harvey demonstrating his experimental elevated line for investors, 1867. The West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway was incorporated in 1866, and the test section ran for several blocks along Greenwich Street. The car was pulled along the single track by a cable that ran between the tracks […]
Dome-scrolling: The Grand Domes of New York City
I was inspired to make this page based on a joke I made on Bluesky the other day, as it seemed to be one of those days where everyone was caught up in extra doomscrolling. I had just been doing some research on the New York World (Pulitzer) Building and […]
The Brooklyn Navy Yard – Gallery
A dock under construction at the Navy Yard, 1831. It was a popular pastime for people to tour the yard and stroll along the docks. The large structure across the bay is one of two ship houses (part of the other can just be seen on the right). From Old […]