In Photos: Vintage New York
A look back at our iconic city through the years.
New York City is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it has evolved tremendously over the years. Take a look back at what the iconic destination looked like over 100 years ago, when some of the most legendary landmarks today—from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Met—were just being built.
1875: Central Park
Since the turn of the 20th century, New Yorkers and visitors alike have enjoyed strolling down The Mall in Central Park.
1875: The Statue of Liberty
Erected in 1875, the Statue of Liberty was given as a gift to the United States from France. It stands on Liberty Island off the shore from lower Manhattan.
1877: Fifth Avenue
A view down Fifth Avenue prior to motorized vehicles is a stark difference to the road we know today.
1892: Ellis Island
An aerial photo shows hundreds of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, looking for new opportunity in America. During the time the passage was open, 1892-1954, there were approximately 12 million immigrants who traveled through Ellis Island.
1880: The Brooklyn Bridge
Two men stand on the catwalk of the almost completed Brooklyn Bridge in 1880. With just the motorway to finish, the bridge was opened three years later.
1880: The New York Police Department
Officers of the New York Police Department's 20th Precinct pose as a unit outside of their station.
1890: The Pulitzer Building
Named after James Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Building was built to house The New York World newspaper and was completed in 1890. The structure was later demolished in 1955 to make way for motor transportation around the city, specifically on the Brooklyn Bridge.
1895: Grace and Co. Bank
An interior photo of the Grace and Co. Bank shows off the vast size of the New York City bank—complete with marbled columns.
1902: The Flatiron Building
Through a foggy haze, you can make out the triangular shape of the Flatiron Building, originally named the Fuller Building. The building was one of the tallest in the city when it was completed in 1902.
1903: A Boat Tour
Tourists take a boat ride in Central Park. The small boat is able to fit underneath the park's small arch bridges.
1905: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met as it's known, is one of the largest art museums in United States—and the world. After first opening in 1872, the museum moved to its current location adjacent to Central Park in 1880.
1905: The Natural History Museum
The museum opened its doors in 1881 and the iconic Brontosaurus skeleton was done being reconstructed in 1905.
1920s: Midtown
Shoppers flock to a department store located in Midtown Manhattan that boasts display windows filled with trendy hats.
1929: New York Stock Exchange
Crowds gather outside the New York Stock Exchange in October 1929 after the Wall Street Crash.
1930s: Macy Thanksgiving Parade
An aerial view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade passing through Times Square. The parade started back in 1924.
1930s: Rockefeller Center
A group of women stand on the roof of Rockefeller Center with balloons in hand. The iconic building was completed in 1931.
1933: Harlem
Women and children stroll down the streets of Harlem in New York City during the winter of 1933.
1934: Radio City Music Hall
New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall was completed in 1932 by renowned architect, Edward Durell Stone.
1934: East River
A vantage point under the Brooklyn Bridge shows the reflection of the 1934 New York City skyline—which was a very different view from what's seen today.
1933: Rockefeller Center at Christmas
The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was a small, humble display in 1931. However, in 1933 the tree was 50 feet tree and there was a tree lighting ceremony.
Jennifer Algoo is the Visuals Director at Harper's BAZAAR. She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and has previously worked at Patrick McMullan Co. as well as completing internships at Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue and CosmoGirl! Magazine. Jennifer covers royal, celeb and art content as well as overseeing all visual assets on BAZAAR.com. When she's not obsessing over the royals you can find her attempting to solve cold cases as an armchair detective, traveling and experimenting with new recipes.
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