In the 113 years since The Bronx became the 62nd county of New York, a lot has changed yet plenty has managed to still remain the same.
Between 1900 and 1930, The Bronx exploded with 1 million new residents, thanks largely due to the expansion of NYC’s nascent subway system.
Apartment buildings sprung up like weeds along corridors where the subway lines snaked up and down.
Former estates and farms were subdivided to create neighborhoods like Morris Park, Allerton, and many others.
Then the Cross Bronx Expressway happened as Robert Moses unapologetically tore open a gash across our borough destroying Homes, neighborhoods, and ultimately lives.
Not too long after, the arson came from unscrupulous landlords trying to unload properties as African-Americans and Puerto Ricans moved in.
We’ve recovered a lot since then and most of it through grassroots efforts to revitalize communities by those who stayed behind during the worst of it all.
New buildings once again are rising, changing the face of The Bronx once again.
Using the New York Public Library’s Digital Collections archives, we’re able to sift through over 5,000 images providing a window into our past.
Below are some we think you’ll enjoy and if you want to see more, let us know.
“Bronx – Westchester Avenue – Soundview Avenue – Morrison Avenue”Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1933.
Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Sports Of Winter: Skating On Van Cortland Park Lake, New York City.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1894.
“Bronx: 231st Street (East) – White Plains Road”Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1929.
“Bronx: Allerton Avenue – White Plains Road 1930”Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.
“Bronx: Allerton Avenue – White Plains Road”Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1917.
“Bronx: Andrews Avenue South – Tremont Avenue (West)”Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1928.
“Bronx: Burke Avenue – Cruger Avenue” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1917. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.“Bronx: City Island : a tent colony on east shore.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.“Bronx: Morris Park Avenue – Bronxdale Avenue” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.
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A brand new development in Wakefield is now accepting applications via New York City's Housing Connect lottery system.
Wakefield Yards, a 212 unit development right...
Six months after breaking ground, the South Bronx’s soon-to-be tallest building is finally rising—and rising fast.
Located at 355 Exterior Street in Mott Haven, the...
