New York City is a place where history comes alive, and its rich past is nothing short of amazing. You might be surprised to learn about the unbelievable but true historical events that have shaped this iconic city.
From the early explorations of Europeans to landmark events that changed the fabric of society, New York City has been at the forefront of some truly fascinating moments.
As you dive into these 15 astonishing stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these events made the Big Apple what it is today.
1. The Great Fire of 1835
On a freezing December night in 1835, New York City experienced one of its most devastating fires.
The frigid weather caused the East River to freeze, and the city was blanketed in snow. As temperatures plummeted to 17 degrees below zero, a fire began to spread through the city.
You can imagine how difficult it was for firefighters to combat the blaze. On that fateful night, their water sources froze, and the strong winds only fueled the inferno.
The Great Fire of 1835 destroyed hundreds of buildings, including the Stock Exchange, Merchants’ Exchange, and Post Office.
The aftermath of the fire led to significant changes in the city, including the development of modern-day building codes.
2. Wall Street Bombing of 1920
In the heart of New York City’s financial district, a terrorist attack occurred on September 16, 1920. This tragic event became known as the Wall Street Bombing.
An unknown group had placed a dynamite-rigged carriage near the J.P. Morgan building. When the bomb detonated, it resulted in the deaths of 38 people immediately and 10 later due to sustained wounds.
Moreover, the bombing injured hundreds and left lasting damage to nearby structures.
Despite extensive investigations, the responsible group was never identified. The Wall Street Bombing remains unsolved to this day.
3. Empire State Building Constructed in Just Over a Year
You may find it hard to believe, but the iconic Empire State Building was constructed in just over a year, a feat that seems almost impossible today! The construction started on March 17, 1930, and it was completed in 1931 at an astonishing pace of 4 ½ stories per week.
The building was a marvel of modern engineering, with architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates working alongside builders Starrett Bros. & Eken to bring the ambitious project to life.
The Empire State Building was the first 100+ story building in the world, a testimony to the skill and determination of everyone involved.
So next time you’re in New York City gazing at the Empire State Building, remember that you’re looking at an incredible piece of history that was constructed in just over a year!
4. Blackout of 1977
In the summer of 1977, New York City experienced a historical event that would leave an unforgettable mark.
On July 13, a massive electricity blackout swept across the city, plunging it into darkness for almost 25 hours. Imagine walking the streets with no lights or navigating the subway without power!
Already struggling with an economic decline, rising crime, and a heatwave, this event couldn’t have come at a worse time for the city. Residents were forced to endure temperatures that topped 100 degrees in the midst of the chaos.
During the blackout, the city saw an increase in looting and arson. In fact, the Bronx was on fire during this period, causing havoc in the community.
5. Brooklyn Almost Wasn’t Part of NYC
Can you imagine a New York City without Brooklyn? It’s hard to believe, but Brooklyn almost wasn’t part of NYC!
In the late 19th century, there was an ardent anti-consolidation movement that opposed Brooklyn’s inclusion in the greater New York City area.
You’ll find it fascinating that this debate lasted for years, and the decision to consolidate Brooklyn with New York City was not a simple one. Ultimately, the decision was put to a vote on November 7, 1893. Brooklyn citizens had to decide whether they wanted to stay independent or join the metropolis.
As you know, Brooklyn eventually became one of the five boroughs of NYC. The “yes” votes for consolidation narrowly won, with 64,744 votes in favor and 64,467 against.
Today, it’s hard to picture urban life in the area without its unique and influential Brooklyn charm.
6. The Subway System Unveiled
Imagine it’s October 27, 1904—you witness a technological marvel as the first subway line in New York City opens to the public.
Planned and operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), the subway was a transformative step in urban transportation, making travel more convenient for you and millions of others.
This groundbreaking transit system initially connected City Hall in lower Manhattan to Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and Harlem. Over time, the network expanded, reaching the Bronx in 1905, Brooklyn in 1908, and Queens in 1915. Today, the subway has evolved into a colossal system, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), boasting 27 lines and 472 stations.
The unveiling of the New York City Subway was a big moment for residents and visitors alike. On that spectacular day, 1,100 people had the honor of taking the first ride.
The subway has been an integral part of the city’s development and has shaped New York City’s growth through the decades.
7. The Central Library Used to Be a Reservoir
Did you know that the land where the famous New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Central Library sits today was formerly a reservoir?
The history of the NYPL can be traced back to the consolidation of three institutions: the Astor, Lenox, and Tilden institutions, which came together in 1895. The fascinating part is that their historic building, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is constructed on what was once the original Croton Reservoir.
The Croton Reservoir system was a crucial part of New York City’s early development, providing much-needed fresh drinking water to the city in 1842.
As the city grew, the original reservoir became obsolete and was replaced by the new and improved Croton Aqueduct system.
When the construction of the NYPL building began on November 10, 1902, it was built on the free land that the reservoir occupied. You can still see the traces of history by noticing the Beaux-Arts architecture style – a nod to the past with a registered National Historical Landmark status.
8. Mail Used to Be Delivered With Tubes
Imagine a time when mail zipped beneath New York City streets in a complex network of tubes! Back in the late 19th century, you would’ve seen the city’s mail being delivered using a pneumatic tube system.
In the 1890s, the United States Post Office installed this innovative system, stretching 27 miles from Battery Park to Harlem. Quite fascinating, isn’t it?
But that’s not all! By 1915, your mail would’ve been whisked away in similar tube systems in other major cities like Boston, Chicago, and St. Louis.
So, how did it work? Picture sturdy canisters carrying mail swiftly through tubes by the force of air pressure. An impressive 95,000 canisters zipped through the system daily! This remarkable system played a key role in connecting New York City mail stations efficiently.
It’s hard to imagine now, but for a brief moment in history, your mail could have zoomed beneath you in a labyrinth of tubes.
9. There are Skeletons Everywhere
As you explore New York City’s rich history, you’ll be surprised to learn that the city has a somewhat eerie past. Skeletons seem to be everywhere, hidden in plain sight.
First, did you know that a cemetery lies beneath Washington Square Park? During the early 1800s, the park was a potter’s field (a burial ground for the poor). The estimates suggest that around 20,000 bodies are still buried under the park.
As you walk the streets of NYC, it’s important to remember that some famous landmarks sit atop forgotten cemeteries. The iconic Empire State Building was constructed on a site that was once part of an ancient burial ground.
In Manhattan’s East Village, you’ll find the historic Marble Cemetery, a virtually unknown gem. Hidden behind a row of townhouses, it houses the remains of prominent families from the early 19th century.
So, as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city, don’t forget the stories and secrets buried beneath your feet!
10. Park Slope Plane Crash
On a fateful day in 1960, New York City witnessed a tragic event that you might find unbelievable. Two airplanes, a United Airlines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation, collided midair above the city.
The aftermath was devastating. The DC-8 crashed in Park Slope, Brooklyn, while the Constellation fell on Miller Field in Staten Island.
Sadly, all 128 people onboard the flights, as well as six people on the ground, lost their lives. To this day, it is the deadliest accident in United Airlines history.
Many factors contributed to the catastrophe, including poor visibility and air traffic control miscommunications.
This harrowing event prompted calls for improved air safety, ultimately leading to advancements in aviation technology.
11. It Was Once Home to Little Germany
Did you know that New York City was once home to a thriving German community?
Located on the Lower East Side and East Village, Little Germany was a haven for German immigrants in the 19th century. At its peak, this bustling neighborhood housed around 60,000 Germans and spanned across 400 blocks.
The area was filled with German-owned businesses, cultural institutions, and social clubs, making it a lively and dynamic part of the city.
One important landmark in Little Germany was the Ottendorfer Library, which still stands today in the East Village. It was built during 1883-1884 and is a testament to the close-knit community that once flourished there.
Sadly, the demise of Little Germany was brought about by the tragic General Slocum disaster in 1904. More than 1,000 people lost their lives when the steamboat caught fire and sank. This heartrending event deeply shook the community, causing many to relocate elsewhere in the city.
12. Reservoirs Built by Drowning Towns
You might not know this, but some of New York City’s reservoirs were built at the expense of small towns.
In the early 20th century, a few upstate communities were intentionally flooded to create these reservoirs, providing water to the growing metropolis below.
One such example is the Neversink Reservoir, which submerged the town of Neversink beneath its waters. Founded in 1798, Neversink once boasted a two-room schoolhouse, a covered bridge, and a charming main street.
Other towns in the Catskill Mountains faced the same fate. As a matter of fact, four Catskills villages celebrated their final Christmas in 1955 before being flooded to make way for reservoirs.
While these reservoirs supply New York City with vital resources, it’s fascinating to imagine the lost communities that now lie beneath the water’s surface.
13. Secret Train Track Under Waldorf-Astoria
There’s a little-known train track underneath the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City.
It’s called Track 61, and it has been part of some fascinating stories over the years. This track was primarily used for storage and served as a private railroad platform on the Metro-North Railroad.
Now, let’s dive into some interesting facts about Track 61. Firstly, it’s located within an underground storage yard northeast of Grand Central Terminal. It was never intended to be a regular train platform; instead, it had a very different purpose.
Some say Track 61 served to secretly transport presidents to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. This way, they could avoid the public eye and maintain their security.
Additionally, there are rumors about clandestine government movements and other covert activities taking place on this track.
14. River Running Below the Empire State Building
Can you imagine that underneath the iconic Empire State Building lies an ancient river?
Surprisingly enough, the building was constructed above ancient underground waterways that run throughout Manhattan.
Not only is there a river below the building, but also wind tunnels found beneath the basement level. These tunnels were designed to improve the building’s foundation and still serve their purpose today.
In the past, high-water marks in the sub-basement area showed that these hidden rivers could rise as high as six feet during spring, after a snowy winter. These watercourses are a remnant of Manhattan’s original landscape before the city was urbanized.
Next time you visit the Empire State Building, take a moment to imagine the secret river flowing beneath your feet.
15. Miracle on the Hudson of 2009
In 2009, New York City witnessed an incredible event that later became known as the Miracle on the Hudson.
On January 15, a US Airways flight heading from LaGuardia to Charlotte hit a flock of geese after takeoff, disabling its engines. Captain Chesley Sullenberger then made a crucial decision to save the 150 passengers and five crew members on board.
Using his expertise and quick thinking, Sullenberger managed to land the plane in the Hudson River. Remarkably, all passengers and crew survived the crash, with only five people sustaining serious injuries.
The water landing itself was a feat, as landing a large commercial airliner on water without causing catastrophic damage was considered nearly impossible.
The crew’s heroic efforts, combined with the fast response of ferryboats and emergency services, turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival.
15 Unbelievable Historical Events That Shaped New York City: A Recap
That’s 15 mind-blowing historical events that have forever left their mark on New York City!
It’s amazing to think about how much history is hidden within the streets, buildings, and parks of this vibrant metropolis. From the devastating Great Fire of 1835 to the awe-inspiring Miracle on the Hudson, each event has contributed to the diverse and captivating story of NYC.
Next time you roam around New York City, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history that have gone into making this city the unique and exhilarating place it is today.