Looking back at old photos of the early 1900s, it is clear to see how landmarks have drastically changed, while others, have remarkably stayed the same. New York City, like most older American cities, is a place that has witnessed many changes - perhaps the only thing that has indeed remained the same is its peoples' desire to photograph it. In this collection of images from times gone by, we are given the opportunity to look back at New York just before the turn of the 20th century. These images, supplied by the Library of Congress, give us an idea of what life was like in the early 1900s. |
||
This photo shows Federal Hall. Originally, it served as a home to the first Congress, US Supreme Court and federal executive-branch offices. It now stands as a museum and memorial. |
||
![]() |
||
One of the oldest buildings in the US - Manhattan's City Hall. |
||
![]() |
||
What a difference from today! Times Square hadn't yet been bombarded with advertisements at the turn of the 20th century. |
||
![]() |
||
Here's something which hasn't changed since the early 1900s - today, you can still buy flowers every week at the Union Square Greenmarket. |
||
![]() |
||
This photo shows a hot-dog festival that took place in Greenwich Village. |
||
![]() |
||
|
||
Even in the 1930s, Prospect Park was known for the white-faced sheep roaming the grounds with their caretakers. |
||
![]() |
||
Here's a sight you will not see nowadays - today you'd see a lot more bathing suits in Coney Island. |
||
![]() |
||
This photo shows the Grand Army Plaza, at the northwest corner of Prospect Park, honoring John F. Kennedy and Civil War generals. |
||
![]() |
||
The Harlem River - a narrow strait dividing Manhattan from the Bronx. |
||
![]() |
||
The Washington Bridge - it crosses the Harlem River between Manhattan and the Bronx. Below it, to the left is Harlem River Drive. |
||
![]() |
||
Over the years, Madison Square Park has been home to several temporary arches. This picture shows the Dewey Arch which was constructed in 1899, in honor of Commodore George Dewey's victory over the Spanish. |
||
![]() |
||
In 1869, construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began, and was open to traffic by 1883. |
||
![]() |
||
This photo shows South Street Seaport, neighbor to Manhattan's Financial District - it is now a designated historic district. |
||
![]() |
||
Still hustling and bustling (probably more so today) - here's Mott Street in Chinatown. |
||
![]() |
||
|
||
![]() |
||
|
||
![]() |
||
|
||
![]() |
||
|
||
![]() |
||
|
||
![]() |
||
Source |
These Architectural Drawings Appear to Be Illuminated
Artist Nikita Busyak creates unique architecture sketches that appear to be illuminated. Check out some of his works here.
Weird Architecture: 12 Really Unusual Buildings
From a building that sings in the rain to one that looks like a pair of dancers, these weird and wonderful structures are sure to blow your mind.
These Amazing Photos Capture Coney Island In Its Heyday
Comey Island is iconic as a New York City destination, and that's due to its many amusement attractions. Take a look of what it was like back in its heyday.
These 18 Amazing City Squares Look Fit for the Gods
When I think of great cities, and wonder what makes them so beautiful, it seems so obvious: it is their amazing piazas, or squares. These are the 18 best!
Celebrities of the Past In the Most Fascinating Photos
These rare images capture celebrities, royalty and scientists as you've never seen them before. Be sure to check out this extended picture gallery.
9 Crazy Homes: These Houses Are Out of This World!
Every man's house is his castle, to be really proud of. And some people really take this to heart, building incredibly unusual houses. These are 9 of the best!
Letโs Learn About 7 of the Longest Words!
Did you know that the longest word to appear in literature clocks at a staggering 183 letters? Find out about more such longest words.
14 Fascinating Museum Treasures That Stole the Show
These 14 museum finds are truly impressive.
These Inventors Absolutely Hate Their Creations
These 7 inventions became world famous and even world changing... yet their inventors deeply regret them.
These Foods Are Considered Bad Luck on New Yearโs!
It's considered extremely unlucky to eat these foods before the New Year.
These Gigantic Comparisons Will Blow Your Mind!
From The Titanic to the world's largest radio telescope, each and every one of these comparisons will surprise you when seen from a different perspective.
10 Ancient Artifacts That You Won't See In History Books
Some human creations have survive for centuries and tell fascinating stories. Let's take a look at a few little-known ones.
The Invisible War: Deception and Espionage in WWII
Not many know about these incredibly dangerous secret operations that defined the Second World War.
The Bizarre History of the World's Most Stolen Painting
This painting is like a magnet for misdeeds, and was stolen again and again.
We Got Hold of Some Rare Historical Pics. Want to See?
Itโs time for another fascinating collection of historical photos.
Thomas Edisonโs Most Inspiring Words of Wisdom
These memorable quotes by Thomas Edison still hold meaning for anyone chasing big goals.
10 Words that Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
These meaning of words we know today used to have an opposite meaning when they were first used.
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
History is Full of Strong and Brave Women...
33 photos of the bravest and strongest women in history who changed the world and made it better. These women all had to fight for what they achieved, and some suffered for it as well.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
Look Back at These Iconic Royal Wedding Photos
Royal Weddings were always a cause for public celebration and fascination. Here are some of the most iconic royal wedding photos in history.
12 Unusual Ancient Currencies You Probably Never Hear Of!
With no credit cards and cash around, what did the people of the past use to buy things? It turns out that the list of objects used as ancient currencies is quite surprising!
You Wonโt Believe What These Old Buildings Once Were
Check out these cool pictures of some old buildings that have now been completely transformed.
Millennials Are Killing These 12 Industries...
The preferences of millennials are destroying dozens of industries. Here are 12 industries that they're killing.
These Museum Items Give Us a Glimpse of a Fascinating Past
In these pictures, you will get to see some fascinating ancient artifacts that are well-preserved in museums.
10 Magicians Whose Performances Were Mind-Bending
Marvel at these incredibly amazing magical performances that literally stunned the judges and the audience.
15 Common Words You Are Pronouncing WRONG
Here is a list of some of the most common English words that are generally mispronounced by a majority of us.
8 Historical Misunderstandings of the First Christmas
Some of the details that you have heard about the first Christmas are completely wrong. Here are 8 things that we bet you didn't know about the first Christmas.
Youโll Love Learning Of These Surprising Facts!
We assure you - these 14 facts are as entertaining and as they are unbelievable!
30 Historic Artifacts With Centuries of Beauty.
These 30 pieces from history are a shining example of how stunning such works can be.
The 10 Cult Movies Every Film Enthusiast Should Watch
These cult classics will change how you view cinema.
Here Are 14 Things We Bet You Never Knew About Chocolate!
How much do we really know about chocolate? Here are 14 things we bet you didnโt know about chocolate!
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
9 Times the Future Was Predicted With Surprising Accuracy!
These 9 historical events were predicted with extreme accuracy, and here is who managed to forecast them...
12 Ingenious Life Hacks from Ancient Civilizations
From advanced dental care to sustainable agriculture, these ancient life hacks demonstrate a blend of practicality and sophistication.
Kyle the Goose Simply Refuses to Leave Her Savior's Side
Mike Jivanjee seems to have gotten more than he bargained for when he rescued Kyle, the Canadian goose, from drowning in Lake Oswego. Check out this cute video.
13 Geniuses, Who On Some Level, May Have Been a Little Mad
These geniuses may have been smart, but they are incredibly weird too!
Ancient Love Stories: The Most Iconic Historical Romances
The pages of history are crammed with some remarkable stories about love. Let's explore some of the greatest ones ever told.
A Day in the Life of an Ancient Egyptian Doctor...
This video will show you what it was like to be a doctor in ancient Egypt.
Cute Overload: Dreaming Puppies!
A video of 2 english bulldog puppies enjoying a visit to their own canine dreamland, who knows what kind of adventures they going on?
5 Ways Learning a New Language Benefits Your Brain
It turns out that knowing more than one language has a variety of positive effects on our brain
Youโll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
7 Old & Fascinating Easter Traditions No Longer Practiced
Easter is an ancient tradition and, like most ancient traditions, it has many practices no longer in use. Here are 7 fascinating Easter traditions that are no longer in practice.
13 Quirky Vintage Inventions That Should Be Brought Back
Check out these cool and quirky vintage inventions that could be useful to many of us today!
Inspiring: 80-Year-Old Holds Guinness Record for Planking!
Meet Annie Judis, the 80-year-old who became the oldest person to hold an abdominal plank earlier this year.
10 Common Phrases Youโre Probably Saying Wrong
Youโve misused these sayings for years!
The Fascinating Last Words of Famous Historical Figures
Some of the most important figures in world history, along with some of the most notorious, had some fascinating things to say just before they left this world.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!!
Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.