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Historical Castle Garden Photographs
Posted on May 18, 2015 by bravuramedia
In this post we will be examining various historical photographs of Castle Garden in NYC. After each photograph we will give a title to the image as well as a publication date. Below that information we will also provide a brief synopsis of what is contained and displayed in the photograph itself. If you have any questions or comments about the material please feel free to leave them below.
Castle Garden Immigrant Depot Entrance (1870 – 1890?)
Interesting photograph of Castle Garden as it displays one of the entrances into the main immigrant depot. We know that this is the depot largely because "Castle Garden" is written in huge text on the front of the building. What I really like about this historical photograph is the various people displayed infront of the building itself. From the looks of it the people range from immigration officers to actual immigrants. It also appears that this photograph was taken either during the late fall or winter as the trees infront of the building have no leaves. The publication considered to have been taken in the later part of the 1800's, but we cannot confirm that. The only thing we can confirm is that Castle Garden was in operation from 1855 – 1890.
Castle Garden Main Building (1855 – 1870?)
If we look at this photograph we obviously can see the Castle Garden immigration building (the same one in the previous photograph). What's interseting about this photograph is that there is practically nothing around the main building, leading me to believe that this photograph was taken in the earlier years of operation. This photograph was used in a publication titled the "The Kings Handbook of New York City" – 1893. We know that Castle Garden stopped operation in 1890, so this is obviously a photograph from a previous date.
Castle Garden and New York City Harbor (1902)
A wonderful panoramic photograph we have in our collection that displays Castle Garden off in the distance as well as the surrounding buildings and areas. If you look really really far into the New York City Harbor you can see the statue of liberty. I really like that you get to see a side street next to castle garden in which you get to see the nearby businesses and horse and buggies. Based on the park in the foreground of Castle Garden I can only assume that this photograph was taken in a late spring, summer or early fall time period in 1902.
Castle Garden and NYC Harbor Aerial Photograph (1902)
We have another aerial photograph of Castle Garden and the NYC harbor, again like the last one it was taken in 1902. In the far distance of the harbor you can see the Statue of Liberty a little better. You can also see the various ships throughout the harbor. Based on the steam coming from the boats and buildings and the leafless trees around Castle Garden I'm going to make the assumption that this photograph was taken during the winter months.
If you would like us to find more historical photographs of Castle Garden or other parts of New York City please leave a comment below and make a request!
Posted in castle garden, historical, History, New York City, nyc immigrants, nyc immigration	| Tagged battery park, battery park history, Castle garden, castle garden building, castle garden historical photographs, historical photographs of castle garden, history of new york city, history of nyc, immigration, lower manhattan history, manhattan, new york city history, new york city immigrants, NYC, NYC history, nyc immigration	| 1 Reply
Discovering New Amsterdam – 1600's Cartography
One of the earliest maps of New Amsterdam is displayed right below this paragraph. The map displays a very basic illustration of lower Manhattan and was originally produced in 1664. The map was produced for James the Duke of York in order to lay down the first plans for the construction of a new Colony. Below the map we will examine and explore various cartographic attributes that make this map absolutely stunning. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below!
Quite an interesting early map of New Amsterdam we have displayed above! There is no doubt in my mind that this map was originally produced in 1664 as you can see a developmental and early illustration of lower Manhattan. The other aspects that overwhelmingly confirm the publication date is the spelling as well as the labellings throughout this map. Longe Isleland is obviously spelled quite different then it is today and to the left of the map you can clearly see the labeling "The Dukes Plan" "A Description of the Towne of Mannados-(Manhattan) or New Amsterdam". Also if we look at the river on the opposite side of long island we see "Hudfrons River", an old spelling of the Hudson River no doubt.
This map presents many clues to us about what New York City was like back in 1664. For example look at the plentiful amount of ships over in the East River. What this tells me is that many ships back in the mid 1600's were landing and porting their ships along this area and were provided with easier access to the Atlantic ocean from side of New Amsterdam. Its even true today that more ships are in port along the East River, look at where the U.S. Naval Shipyard is… located on the East River for easy access to the Atlantic.
We can obviously see that lower Manhattan in this map is somewhat underdeveloped. From the looks of it, it seems there were only 3 avenues and mini neighborhoods scattered throughout Manhattan's lower quarter. Beyond these locations we see sporadic illustrations possibly detailing the planning of new neighborhoods and or developing and clearing the land on the island. The lower quarter of New Amsterdam is drawn with a vertical line with 5 pointed dividers. This line on the map represents the fortifications built on the upper section of this colony. I have evidence to support this finding that this is a fortification by cross-referencing it with another map of New Amsterdam below:
Notice the 5 points in the image above, well there are also 5 points in the same location on the map above this one. So without a doubt I can tell you that they fortified this section of New Amsterdam.
Another aspect that stands out to me that are on both of these maps is the fortification located at the southern tip of lower Manhattan. This fort has been called so many different names throughout time. It has been called Fort Amsterdam, Fort George, Fort William Henry and much more. But as you can see on both maps It gave the dutch a strategic advantage to defending lower Manhattan. Not only did it provide an advantage with line of site scouting for invaders coming from the Atlantic or the Hudson, but it also contributed and gave the Dutch a strategic vantage point for their cannons to fire upon incoming ships as well a fall back location for the island as a whole. The 1st map displayed does not display the cannons in the 4 quadrants of the fort. The 2nd map displayed though overwhelmingly does.
These are just a few of the various historical aspects that we've explored and uncovered on these old vintage maps of New Amsterdam. Please feel free to subscribe to our blog on the right hand side! We will be continuing this exploration of History of New York City and we blog constantly. If you have any questions or comments about this post please feel free to comment below!
Posted in cartography, fort amsterdam, historical, History, map, maps, new amsterdam, New York City	| Tagged fort amsterdam, historical nyc, history of nyc, James Duke of York, manhattan, Mannados, New Amsterdam, new amsterdam fort, new amsterdam fortifications, new amsterdam history, new york city, new york city fort, new york city history, NYC, nyc fort, NYC history	| Leave a reply
History of Harlem and The River Ferries
When the original Dutch settlers began to flock to the hills and valleys of Harlem, the first thing they did was to look around for a suitable name. Immediately a great dissension arose, each stout burgher insisting that the spot should be called after his own native town in old Holland. Finally they decided upon a most happy expedient; they resolved to style the place "Harlaem," for the simple reason that none of them had come from that village, and as a result, no one could object. Such, we learn, is the origin of the name which for a long time appeared on the steam railroad cars. "New York and Harlaem Railroad."
In the year 1666, when the sleepy residents of Harlaem were comfortably settled and enjoying life around their immense fireplaces, with long-stemmed pipes in their mouths, and all accustomed to going to bed at four o'clock every afternoon. Someone made the startling announcement that beyond the broad river that flowed past their doors was to be found the most beautiful farming land imaginable, just the site for their favorite "boueries". This was enough, for once they hastily rose to the occasion. They must have a ferry at once to carry them across to those fair shores where their "boueries" were to be.
The site selected was about 126th street and the East River, where the old "Harlaem Road" terminated. The peculiarly slanting and irregular boundary lines, which even to-day are found in this section of Harlem and which are so at variance with all existing streets and avenues, and form such a bete-noir alike to title-searchers and surveyors, is lasting evidence of the former existence of this early highway.
A ferry meant a ferryman, and in 1667 Johannes Verveelen was duly installed, along with an African American man by the name of "Matthys". He was allowed to furnish food, drink and lodgings to the weary wayfarers he ferried across, but not a drop to the indians.
Here are some of the curious rates that he charged for carrying travelers from Harlaem to the Bronx shore:
"For every passenger, 2 pence silver or six pence wampum; for every ox or cow that shall be brought into his ferry-boat, 8 pence or 24 stivers; and cattle that swim along over pay but 1/2 price.
"He is to take for diet, every man for his meal, 8 pence or 24 stivers wampum; every man for his lodging, 2 pence a man or 6 stivers wampum; every man for his horse shall pay 4 pence for his night's hay or grass, or 12 stivers wampum."
"Signed, THO: DE LAVALL, Mayor." "Dated July 3rd 1667"
Posted in harlem, harlem history, historical, History, new york city history	| Tagged early history of new york city, early history of nyc, harlem history, harlem nyc history, harlem of nyc, harlem river ferries, harlem river ferry, harlem river history, history of harlem, history of new york city, history of nyc, new york city history, NYC history, the dutch of nyc, the new york city dutch	| Leave a reply
Ellis Island Historical Photography and Examination
Posted on April 29, 2015 by bravuramedia
In this post I just wanted to include some great photographs in our collection that Illustrate the nostalgia of Ellis Island and New York City history in general. We will not only list each photograph, but we will also describe and examine of the subject matter and how it relates to Ellis Island and New York City Immigrant history. Also all the images and links are clickable so if you wish to download the image feel free to do so. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to leave them below!
Ellis Island Boat Launch Station – 1913
An interesting photograph showing a boat launch station at Ellis Island. If we look closely one of the riverboats is labeled with a name that reads "W.M. Flectcher". Obviously in the background of the photograph we see the main terminal building for arriving immigrants to Ellis Island.
Immigrants Arriving to Ellis Island – 1912
In this photograph we see several immigrants arriving to Ellis Island with suitcases and various packages. From what it looks like there are 2 immigration officers in between the arriving immigrants that are directly focused on the camera. A 3rd officer is to the right of them but seems to be more focused on the arriving people. In the background of the photograph you can see the various buildings that comprise Ellis Island .
Boarding Cutter Ship at Ellis Island
This photograph seems to be sporting the arrival of several smaller ships to Ellis Island. What I think is cool about this photograph is the American Flag that hangs on the back of the ship in the foreground. Notice anything different about that flag? Well it seems that it's missing about 37 stars on it and contains only 13. The number 13 I believe is in direct accordance with the original 13 colonies of America. Anyways besides that you get to see a few buildings and structures that are on Ellis Island as well.
Ellis Island Immigrant Station – 1893
Oh Boy! I love this photograph as it gives us a nice collage of several aspects of Ellis Island. The middle photograph details the main immigration station on Ellis Island. Now you might ask yourself, "Well it looks different than the structure now?" That's because it is different, the one presented in this photograph was destroyed by a raging fire in 1897. Unfortunately during the fire many of the records were lost for good. Other parts of the photograph show a detention center, a dock landing area, a dining hall and the house of a Surgeon.
Walking to the New York City Departure Boats – 1913
This photograph I think is very iconic in terms of the achievement of the American dream. The photograph above displays several immigrants walking towards the boats that will deliver them from Ellis Island directly to New York City. In the photograph we see the immigrants holding numerous packages and suitcases as they ascend to the boats. We can right off the bat tell that we're near the docks because to the left of the photograph we can see a life preserver hanging on a wooden beam that reads "Ellis Island". If we look towards the background and more specifically to the right we can see an Ellis Island immigration officer watching the crowd as it arrives to the boats.
Posted in ellis island, historical, History, New York City, NYC	| Tagged buildings of ellis island, ellis island, ellis island historical photographs, ellis island historical photography, ellis island history, ellis island photographs, ellis island photography, history of ellis island, history of new york city, history of nyc, new york city history, NYC history	| Leave a reply
Construction and History of The Brooklyn Bridge
The details of constructing the Brooklyn Bridge towers have been performed under the eyes of all Brooklyn people. Since the tower of Babel and the great pyramid of Egypt, there has been no more massive structures. Block upon block the granite tiers were laid, until a total hieght of 278 feet above high water was attained. The New York tower is thus 356 feet high from the foundation. Further inland the equally ponderous anchorages were progressing, and although not so familiar because largely concealed by the surrounding buildings, are not the least important or least expensive details of the bridge. Still lower structures of solid masonry support the approaches.
In October 1878, a sensation was created by a communication to the N.Y. Sun, purporting to reveal a plot for blowing up the bridge. It was alleged that a certain stone-mason, inspired by the ambition of the "youth who fired the Ephesian Dome," had secreted charges of dynamite between the courses of stone at the base of the tower on which he was engaged. The explosive was connected by wire with the exterior at points known only to the wicked mason, and at a suitable time, probably while the cities were celebrating the completion of the bridge, it was his intention to wreck the structure. A mysterious diagram was also published, said to be a copy of the working plan of the unprincipled wretch, showing the places of deposit and the line of connecting wires.
On May 29th 1877, a single wire was carried across the river attracting much attention as the first connecting link, with the "promise and potency" of greater things. The process of cable-making now commenced. Each cable is composed of 5,296 thicknesses of wire laid parallel. The wire is continuous in varying lengths, joined by a small screw coupling, which can never unscrew, the invention of Colonel Roebling and A.V. Abbot. At the anchorage the wire "returns" around a "shoe," and so is carried from shore to shore until the cable is complete. It is then closely wrapped, forming a solid cylinder 15 3/4 inches in diameter. The total length of each cable is 3,578 feet, and it contains 3,589 miles of
Upon the four great cables thus composed, the suspended superstructure retains it's inital and primary weight distribution. To avoid any lateral strain upon the towers, the cables are in no way fastended to them, but rest on movable "saddles" at the point of contact. These saddles, with their burdens, move to and fro upon 45 iron rollers of 3 1/2 inches diameter, which readily yield to the varying tention of the wires as the weight is shifted from the land to the river span, or vice versa.
A temporary structure called the "foot-bridge," was thrown across the river during the cable-making, for the convenience of construction. It was much higher than the roadway of the permanent bridge, following the cables over the summits of the towers, instead of
passing through the arches. A trip across the foot-bridge on a clear, cool day, afforded an exciting and pleasurable novelty. The unaccustomed head would be dizzy, and both hands nervously clutch the wire hand-rails. Between the slats on which on walked were glimpses of gleaming water, and decks of toy ships and ferry boats with pigmy passengers. As our walk was but three feet wide, a ribbon through the air, it easily suggested a reminiscence of the narrow bridge Al Sirat, over which the people of Islam believe that the spirits of the departed must pass to paradise. The faithful tremble, but cross in safety, while unbelievers topple over into the fearful gulf. To avoid such thoughts, the traveler could look abroad and get distraction and delight from the wide panorama which the vicinity of New York affords.
How does the bridge look? is a question frequently asked. It's external appearance from a distance is familiar from engravings which were exhibited everywhere before either one of the towers had reared its head above the tide. Some new ideas of details may perhaps be obtained from an imaginary trip to New York in July, 1883.
Descending from the horse car (or more happily the elevated railroad?) at the corner of Fulton and Sands streets, we notice no special change from the present aspect of Fulton street, but moving up Sands we find the southwestern corner of Washington street converted into the head of a busy thoroughfare, which closes abruptly at narrow Sands street; but the pressure there will soon be relieved, for a portion of the block bounded by Sands, Washington, High and Fulton has been taken as a public sqaure, that will be worthy the dignity of our bridge, and conduce to the convience of its traffic.
Posted in brooklyn bridge, construction, historical, History, New York City, NYC	| Tagged bridges of new york city, brooklyn, brooklyn bridge construction, brooklyn bridge history, historical brooklyn bridge, history of new york city, history of nyc, history of the brooklyn bridge, new york city bridges, new york city history, NYC history	| Leave a reply
New York City History in 1787
The city received a sudden, strong, healthful, forward impetus in the spring of 1787, through large accessions of its population. Every dwelling-house was occupied. Rents went up, doubling in some instances, fresh paint and new shutters and wings transformed old tenements, and carpenters and masons found ready employment in erecting new structures. The streets were cleaned and pavements mended. New business firms were organized and old warehouses remodeled; the markets were extended and bountifully supplied, and stores blossomed with fashionable goods. Wall street, the great center of interest and of fashion, presented a brilliant scene every bright afternoon. Ladies in showy costumes, and gentlemen in silks, satins, and velvet, of many colors, promenaded in front of the City Hall – where congress was holding its sessions. At the same time Broadway, from St. Paul's Chapel to the Battery, was animated with stylish equipages, filled with pleasure-seekers who never tired of the life-giving, invigorating, perennial seabreeze, or the unparalleled beauty of the view, stretching off across the varied waters of New York Bay.
The social world was kept in perpetual agitation through distinguished arrivals from various parts of the United States, and from Europe. Dinners and balls were daily occurences. Secretary and Mrs. Jay entertained with graceful ease, gathering about them all that was ost illustrious in statesmanship and letters; they usually gave one ceremonious dinner every week, sometimes two. Their drawing-rooms were also thronged on Thursdays, Mrs. Jay's day "at home"; and evening parties were given at frequent intervals. The manners of Secretary Jay were described by Europeans as affable and unassuming; and his purity and nobility of character impressed the whole world in his favor. He dressed in simple black, wearing his hair slightly powdered and tied in the back. His complexion was without color. His eyes were dark and penetrating, as if the play of thought never ceased, but the general expression of his face was singularly amiable and tranquil. Mrs. Jay was admirably fitted, through her long residence in the Spanish and French capitals, and her own
personal and intellectual accomplishments, for the distinguished position of leader of society in the American Capital. She dressed richly, and in good taste, and observed the most rigid formalities in her intercourse with the representatives of foriegn nations.
Nothing better illustrates the spirit and character of this formative period than the movements in its polite and every-day life. But a mere glimpse must suffice. The infant republic was interesting, and vastly promising, while it had not yet learned to walk. Its capital was the sea of a floating community composed of the most diverse elements. Curiosity, critism, and cavil were in the air. The importance attached to the doing of national hospitalities in the Old World, could not be ignored in the New. Entertainments were something more than mere profitless amusements; then, as before and since, there were strong links in the chain which binds nations together.
Posted in 1787, historical, History, New York City, NYC	| Tagged 1787, historical, historical new york city, historical nyc, history, history of new york city, history of nyc, new york city, new york city after the revolution, new york city history, NYC, nyc after the revolution, NYC history	| Leave a reply
Statue of Liberty Historical Reference Material
Posted on April 7, 2015 by bravuramedia
The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was established on Bedloe's Island in the Upper Bay, 1 1/4 miles from the Battery. It was reached by steamboat, which left the Battery hourly, on the hour, and returned on the half hour from 9 AM to 5 PM. One may have obtained a satisfactory view of the exterior and returned on the same boat; time from Battery and return, three-quarters of an hour; if the ascent of the Statue were to be made, it would've taken an hour and three-quarters.
As it is easily the most widely known statue in the world and is reproduced in printed form more times every year than any other view of New York, it may be of interest to give some
particulars regarding its proportions:
Height from base to torch………………………………..151-ft 1-in
Foundation of pedestal to torch…………………………305-ft 6-in
Heel to top of head……………………………………….111-ft 6-in
Length of hand…………………………………………….16-ft 5-in
Index finger………………………………………………….8-ft 0-in
Circumference at second joint…………………………….7-ft 6-in
Size of finger nail……………………………….13×10 in.
Head from chin to cranium………………………………..17-ft 3-in
Distance across the eye……………………………………2-ft 6-in
Length of nose……………………………………………….4-ft 6-in
Right arm, length……………………………………………42-ft 0-in
Right arm, greatest thickness……………………………..12-ft 2-in
Thickness of waist………………………………………….35-ft 0-in
Width of Mouth……………………………………………….3-ft 0-in
Tablet, Length………………………………………………..23-ft 7-in
Tablet, thickness……………………………………………..2-ft 0-in
Height of Pedestal…………………………………………..89-ft 0-in
Square sides at base, each………………………………..62-ft 0-in
Square sides at top, each………………………………….40-ft 0-in
Grecian columns, above base……………………………..72-ft 8-in
Height of foundation…………………………………………65-ft 0-in
Square sides at bottom…………………………………….91-ft 0-in
Square sides at top…………………………………………66-ft 7-in
Posted in historical, History, New York City, NYC, statue of liberty	| Tagged american symbol, historical statue of liberty, history of new york city, history of nyc, history of the statue of liberty, liberty island, new york city history, new york city monuments, NYC history, nyc monuments, statue of liberty, statue of liberty facts, statue of liberty history	| Leave a reply
Historical NYC
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