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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 01/01/2026

Pouring one out for the Metrocard tonight! It’s been a great run. I wrote a bit about the tokens and transition to the fare card of the future, along with a little bit of appreciation for the Cardvaark, of course: discovering.nyc/a-token-of-a...

discovering.nyc

A Token of Appreciation for the Metrocard - Discovering NYC

With sales of the Metrocard ending today, I can’t help but reminisce and reflect upon its history, which spans three decades. First introduced in 1994, the Metrocard gradually replaced the tokens that...

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 26/12/2025

Winter scenes in Central Park, 1864.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 21/12/2025

A wonderful cross-section of the Airlines Terminal building, 1941. It stood on the SW corner of 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Passengers heading to the new LaGuardia airport could take a "limousine bus" to the airport from here.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 10/12/2025

One of my favorite views of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, seen from Tippet’s Hill, 1866. The factory on the spit of land jutting into the creek is the Johnson Iron Works, which produced Delafield cannons during the Civil War.

A pastoral color view of the meandering Spuyten Duyvil Creek, seen from Tippet’s Hill (Berrian’s Neck). In the distance is the Johnson Iron Works and the rolling hills of Manhattan and the Bronx.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 02/12/2025

Scenes in Prospect Park, 1868. Some areas of the park were open, while others, such as the lake, were still under construction and would be for some time.

Scenes in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, which was still partially under construction in 1868. The views include manmade structures such as bridges, the playground pool, and the bed of the lake (which would be filled in), along with natural features such as Lookout Hill. A view of the city from the park is also included.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 01/12/2025

Quick timeline cleanse: The view aside the old Park Row Terminal, c. 1900. It shows a Flatbush-bound trolley heading up to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, with a train heading into the terminal.

Trolleys and horse-drawn wagons on the approach to the Brooklyn Bridge. To the left is the outside of the Park Row Terminal, which a train is nearing. Pedestrians are walking below, and in the distance an elevated railroad station can be seen passing under the bridge approach.

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foldedsunset.bsky.social @foldedsunset.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Very interesting to learn about the history behind these parades. Photographer P.L.Sperr took 1930s photographs of Manhattan ragamuffins. Here are some of them.

1930s photographs of Thanksgiving Ragamuffins in Greenwich Village, taken by photographer P.L.Sperr.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 28/11/2025

Thankful for being able to finish up editing through the itis! If you’re just waking up from a late turkey nap, come learn about the Fantasticals and Ragamuffin parades, which is one of the more fun ways New Yorkers used to celebrate Thanksgiving: discovering.nyc/the-fantasti...

discovering.nyc

The Fantasticals and Ragamuffin Parades: How New Yorkers used to celebrate Thanksgiving - Discovering NYC

For many years, one of the major civic celebrations in New York City was Evacuation Day, which was celebrated each November 25th to mark the day the Americans secured the city following the end of hos...

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 25/11/2025

Happy Evacuation Day! On this day in 1783, Washington and his men, including General Henry Knox and Governor George Clinton, took “happy repossession” of New York City after seven years of British occupation. The city celebrated in earnest for 10 days. discovering.nyc/gratitude-an...

discovering.nyc

Gratitude and Joy, Peace and Triumph: New York City’s Evacuation Day - Discovering NYC

In the wake of the Battle of Fort Washington in November 1776, the British firmly held onto York Island (Manhattan), and would continue to control the island for nearly seven years, well after the Bat...

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 16/11/2025

Today is the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Washington, which is always interesting to write about. For anyone waiting for Ken Burns’ American Revolution tonight (I’m so excited!) this can tide you over for a bit: discovering.nyc/the-battle-o...

discovering.nyc

The Battle of Fort Washington - Discovering NYC

Attacks of Fort Washington by his Majesty’s Forces under the command of General Sir William Howe, November 16th, 1776. This view shows the three-pronged attack, with the British (in red) and Hessian (...

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James Lee @writer1626.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Nellie Bly left for her around-the-world trip on this day in 1889. 72 days later she was back home in #NewYorkCity. Read about Nellie's New York in my blog post below. @newyorkalmanack.bsky.social @nyhistory.bsky.social @discovering.nyc @brookekroeger.bsky.social www.jamesflee.com/blog/nellie-...

jamesflee.com

Traveling to History: Five — James F. Lee

Nellie Bly’s New York

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 31/10/2025

Resurrected 9 witch! I feel seen

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 01/06/2025

Finally pulled myself up out of the depths of grading to cobble together a post about the Jefferson Market Courthouse. Come for the old fire tower, stay for an overview of the courthouse, and enjoy the bonus pictures that my grandfather took of the old Women's House of Detention in 1966!

discovering.nyc

The Jefferson Market and Courthouse - Discovering NYC

The Jefferson Market and Fire Tower, c. 1866. The police court was towards the back […]

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 14/05/2025

A long time ago I did a deep dive into the history behind Gangs of New York & explored how accurate the movie was. It was accurate in some surprising ways! while being completely wrong in others. Anyone want to see this revived for a new blog post? Also ofc Daniel Day Lewis can do no wrong!

The Five Points, where Orange Street, Cross Street and Anthony Street met. From Valentine's Manual of Old New York, 1855. It is a reproduction of an oil painting by George Catlin from c. 1827.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 08/05/2025

Chicago pope blessing the “L” when

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 07/05/2025

Old Penn Station appreciation time, just because. Not that one ever needs an excuse to share this beauty.

Track level, showing stairways and elevators leading to the exit concourse.

Exit concourse, showing an elevator and stairway.

The concourse, looking towards 33rd Street.

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New York Transit Museum @nytransitmuseum.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

#DidYouKnow that there was once a working trolley terminal underneath Delancey Street? Beginning in 1908, the Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal was the departure point for streetcar service running over the Williamsburg Bridge.

There was once a working trolley terminal underneath Delancey Street. Beginning in 1908, the Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal was the departure point for streetcar service running over the Williamsburg Bridge.

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Baseball by BSmile @bsmile.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Fun Fact: Baseball legends Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle both hit their first home run as a member of the New York #Yankees on May 1st! (The Babe in 1920, The Mick in 1951) ⚾️ #May1st #MLB #Trivia #History #RepBX

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 28/04/2025

It was a lot of fun exploring the Beach Pneumatic Transit and the delightfully named "atmospheric" railways and their "ethereal" science (Victorians, right?!). It must have seemed magical to those who flocked to see Beach's innovative system in the three short years it was open. #history

discovering.nyc

See Beach Express: Alfred Ely Beach and New York City’s First Subway - Discovering NYC

When the so-called “secret” subway line opened in February 1870, many New Yorkers were completely […]

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 27/04/2025

Obligatory Five Points post (I can't believe I haven't done one yet!). This view shows the eponymous junction, where Orange Street, Cross Street & Anthony Street met. From Valentine's Manual of Old New York, 1855. It is a reproduction of an oil painting by George Catlin from c. 1827. #NYChistory

The crowded Five Points district c. 1827. On the far left is Orange Street, which extends to the right. The next intersection is Cross Street, which extends out of view to the far right. Between them is Anthony Street. Note the presence of numerous groceries. You could get food at some, and liquor and beer at many others.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 23/04/2025

The colorful monorail built by the American Machine and Foundry Company for the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Fully automatic, it featured seven two-car trains running along a 4,000 foot loop. Visitors could "see the fair from the air" in the air-conditioned cars, which must have been a treat! #history

Folks ascended an escalator to the loading platforms within the angular striped terminal. Going around the loop took eight minutes, with the trains proceeding around 9 miles per hour. Enthusiastic attendants were on hand to point out notable features and attractions as folks enjoyed the beautiful views. Visitors flocked to ride the futuristic mode of transportation.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 22/04/2025

On April 22nd, 1964, the 1964-65 World's Fair opened in Flushing Meadows. Here's a fantastic aerial view of the expansive fairgrounds in Flushing Meadows park, showing Shea Stadium on the left. From 30 years of progress, 1934-1964 by the Department of Parks. #NYChistory

An aerial view of the 1964-1965 World's Fair fairgrounds. North is to the left in this view, which highlights the layout of the fair. To the left is the old Shea Stadium, and between the stadium and the fairgrounds the Flushing subway and LIRR line can be seen.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 20/04/2025

For anyone celebrating today’s other “holiday” 😜: discovering.nyc/the-short-hi...

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 20/04/2025

Happy #Easter for those who are celebrating! Here are impeccably dressed crowds promenading up and down 5th Avenue after Easter Services, c. 1900.

Crowded sidewalks on 5th Avenue, with people dressed in their Sunday best. Many are coming from Easter services. This view is looking north from 47th Street.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 14/04/2025

On April 13, 1870, the Metropolitan #Museum of Art was officially incorporated. Originally housed in a brownstone and then a mansion on 14th Street, its first dedicated building, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, opened in 1880. Sources and more info in the alt text + more images below!

The first building in Central Park, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould and opened in 1880. From A History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Early Institutions of Art.

Celebrating the opening of the new building in March 1880. From A History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Early Institutions of Art.

Scenes at the newly opened Metropolitan Museum of Art. From Frank Leslie's Illustrated Weekly, April 10, 1880.

Folks enjoying the art. From Harper's Weekly, April 10, 1880.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 09/04/2025

High Bridge and the old "High Service Works" reservoir as they would look when completed. This early view also includes a curious rendering of the iconic water tower. Now a familiar feature, the octagonal water tower opened in 1872. From D.T. Valentine’s Manual, 1868. #engineering

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 08/04/2025

"Wheelman's Rest" in Prospect Park c. 1895. Bicycling up and down nearby Ocean Parkway, which had a dedicated path for doing so, was an immensely popular activity. Clubs such as the Kings County Wheelmen provided a space for people to plan outings and other similar activities. #Brooklyn

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 05/04/2025

A four car train on the 9th Avenue el near 116th Street, 1880. Although many of the lots are still empty or have shanties, development is quickly encroaching. The buildings behind are part of a growing Harlem. From The Tracks of New York Number 3 by Alan Paul Kahn and Jack May. #history

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 04/04/2025

The magnificent Dorilton Apartments seen from 70th Street, 1909. This view looks up Broadway, with the Ansonia Apartments across on 73rd. The sketch is by Joseph Pennell, from The New New York: A Commentary on the Place and the People by John Van Dyke.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 31/03/2025

For the follow-up to my first post about New Harlem, I explored more of the village's early #history and how residents absolutely refused to allow their village to be renamed Lancaster (understandable). Plus a short history of its role in the American Revolution and subsequent development.

discovering.nyc

Dividing Manhattan: Tracing The Harlem Line, or how Harlem nearly became Lancaster - Discovering NYC

The British took over New Netherland in 1664, and English rule passed onto the residents […]

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Sari Beth Rosenberg @sari.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

I’ve been teaching U.S. History at a NYC public high school for 23 years now. I’m one of the only teachers still currently in the classroom teaching AND speaking out right now. I’m asking other educators to join me & to support me by subscribing to my Substack. substack.com/@saribethros...

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 26/03/2025

A "west side cowboy" riding ahead of an engine which is proceeding down 11th Avenue, c. 1930. These men on horseback warned pedestrians and clear traffic to let the trains pass. The "cowboys" served until 1941, when surface running ended.

A man on a horse proceeding in front of an engine, running on the surface of 11th Avenue.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 25/03/2025

It's always hard to write about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, which claimed the lives of 146 workers, many of them young immigrants on March 25, 1911. Their story should be told - others have done so far better than I, but I hope to do them some justice with this post. #history

discovering.nyc

We Didn't Have a Chance: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire - Discovering NYC

“The Real Triangle,” drawn by John Sloan for The New York Call, March 27, 1911. The […]

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 24/03/2025

City Hall decked out in bunting and flags, with numerous city officials gathered to celebrate beginning construction on the new #subway, March 24, 1900. Mayor Robert Van Wyck broke ground for the project using a silver spade from Tiffany & Co. The day was lauded as "Tunnel Day" in the press.

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Bess Lovejoy @besslovejoy.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

NYC is full of cool libraries, but many are not accessible to the public. For @finebooks.bsky.social, I wrote about the re-opening of the Frick Art Research Library, where anyone can go research Western arts from the 4th to the mid-20th centuries. www.finebooksmagazine.com/issue/librar...

finebooksmagazine.com

Library Shines in Frick Renovation

When the Frick Collection reopens this April, New York City and the world will once again have access to a beloved institution of fine and d

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 14/03/2025

A rendering of a "continuous moving platform" loop to replace the 42nd Street shuttle, 1919. It would have a capacity of 10,000 passengers, with three platforms facilitating boarding and exiting. The innermost of these would have chairs and hand rails for passengers, whisking them along at 9 MPH.

A rendering of a massive 130 foot loop at Times Square. It features three continuous moving platforms that move at staggering speeds, from 3 miles per hour to 9 miles per hour. The innermost loop, the fastest, has chairs and handrails for passengers.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 13/03/2025

Folks enjoying a stroll along the Water Terrace (later called Bethesda Terrace) and watching rowboats on the Lake in Central Park, 1868. The Angel of the Waters statue, sculpted by Emma Stebbins, would not be installed until 1873. It gave the terrace its distinctive nickname. #history

A beautiful day out at the Water Terrace. A large fountain is spraying water, causing a rainbow to appear. Beyond is the Central Park Lake, with folks on rowboats enjoying themselves. In the background rises the labyrinthine Ramble.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 12/03/2025

It's a beautiful day in New York, and one where thick snow, bitter temperatures, and cutting winds are far from one's mind. 137 years ago, New Yorkers who had gone to sleep to the soft sounds of rain woke up to a surprise storm, with the Great White Hurricane causing havoc all over. #Skystorians

discovering.nyc

When the City Briefly Slept: The Blizzard of 1888 - Discovering NYC

March is a time to look forward to the upcoming change of season, and New […]

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 11/03/2025

Constructing the Harlem River Tubes, 1913-1915. These connect to the tunnels of the Lexington Avenue #subway line (today's 4/5/6), allowing trains to pass from Harlem under the river and into the Bronx. #engineering Additional pictures will be attached below - more info is provided in the captions.

Four tubes floating on a wooden platform, each of which will hold a subway track, being put into position by long derricks. This section, section "A" is one of five that will be sunk under the Harlem River to bring the Lexington Avenue line into the Bronx.

Caption: South end of Section A before launching, with its full equipment of bulkheads, valves, masts, etc.

Caption: Section B placed upon flatboats and being towed out of the slip.

Caption: Section A showing details of buoyancy chambers and general details of plant arrangements and tube details.

Section A in position in the water, with lowering plant assembled.

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Discovering NYC @discovering.nyc · 06/03/2025

This is now a Cardvaark fan account

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