Discover the surprising history of Times Square, originally a tranquil area with colonial estates and horse stables. Uncover its transformation through the late 19th century as it evolved from a horse-and-carriage hub to a bustling entertainment district. Learn about the pivotal moments leading up to the very first New Year’s Eve celebration in 1904. Key figures like the Vanderbilts and the Pabsts shaped the landscape, while cultural milestones like the operetta 'Flora Dora' revolutionized theater, marking Times Square as the vibrant heart of New York.
Times Square, once known as Longacre Square, transformed from a horse trading hub into a vibrant entertainment district in the late 19th century.
The area’s development was significantly influenced by railroads and the opening of the Grand Central Depot, establishing major urban connectivity.
Renamed Times Square in 1904, the area became a cultural hotspot symbolizing New York City's dynamic spirit and diverse entertainment.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Times Square
Times Square, originally known as Longacre Square, underwent significant changes from a horse and carriage hub to a vibrant entertainment district. This transformation began in the late 19th century when the area became a center for horse trading, reflecting the transportation needs of the era. As urban planning evolved, so did the infrastructure, culminating in the construction of the subway system that facilitated access to this formerly remote locale. By the early 20th century, the area became synonymous with entertainment, driven by the influx of theaters and the cultivation of a vibrant tourism scene.
Historical Significance in the Colonial Era
Before it became a bustling urban center, the land that would turn into Times Square was rich in history, filled with forests and streams encountered by early Dutch settlers. John Morin Scott, a prominent lawyer from this period, owned large tracts of land here and hosted notable figures, including John Adams. His estate served as a significant social hub prior to the Revolutionary War. After the war, the area was gradually divided into smaller parcels and transitioned from rural farmland into a developing urban neighborhood.
The Role of Rail and Real Estate
The early 19th century saw the introduction of railroads, which connected the area surrounding Times Square to greater New York City. The Grand Central Depot, opened in 1871, solidified 42nd Street as a major transit hub, attracting hotels and restaurants to the vicinity. John Jacob Astor capitalized on this development, leasing parcels of his land to encourage construction and growth, transforming previously underdeveloped farmland into valuable real estate. This shift was crucial in catalyzing a major urban transition that established Midtown as a significant commercial district.
Cultural Explosion in the Theater District
By the at the turn of the 20th century, Longacre Square began to embrace its identity as a theater district, culminating in the success of shows like 'Flora Dora,' which drew massive crowds and set cultural trends. This shift was marked by the opening of several theaters and the establishment of major hotels, fostering an entertainment culture that would attract both locals and tourists alike. The advent of the subway system further amplified accessibility, facilitating the rise of the area as a go-to destination for entertainment in New York City. As theaters emerged, the cultural significance of Times Square continued to evolve, making it a centerpiece of American theater.
Naming Times Square: A Historic Decision
In 1904, Longacre Square was officially renamed Times Square by the New York Board of Aldermen, a change driven largely by the construction of the New York Times building at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway. This decision was initiated by August Belmont, president of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, who sought to reflect the area’s renown and the presence of the influential newspaper. The name change marked a pivotal moment, coinciding with the completion of the subway that would serve this burgeoning urban center. This newly-christened Times Square became emblematic of New York City’s energetic spirit and diverse entertainment offerings.
What was Times Square before the electric billboards, before the Broadway theaters and theme restaurants, before the thousands and thousands of tourists?
What was Times Square before it was Times Square? Today it’s virtually impossible to find traces of the area’s 18th and 19th century past. But in this episode, Tom and Greg will peel away the glamour and chaos — evict the Elmos and the pedicabs — to explore a far different world — of colonial estates, rolling farms, horse stables, and beer-themed hotels.
They’ll be ENDING their story today on the date December 31, 1904, when the very first New Year’s Eve celebration was held here – in the plaza newly christened as Times Square. But if you had walked through here fifty years earlier, you certainly would not have called it ‘the crossroads of the world.’
FEATURING: The Vanderbilts, the Pabsts, the Ochs, and the biggest musical of the 1900s! And a few connections in Times Square where you can still find these 19th-century traces of the past.
