Skip to content
Interpreting the Evidence

Broad Street, New York City, c. 1900

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Transportation

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    New York City
    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Broad Street, New York City, c. 1900 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Horse-drawn wagons on Broad Street, New York City, circa 1900.
 
Historical Context
Broad Street is one of the oldest streets in Manhattan.  It dates back to the days when the first Dutch settlers arrived in this country.  This photo shows men on their way to work at the many businesses that line Broad Street.  Over the years, this area has become a huge financial center.  The New York Stock Exchange is located in this area.
 
Essential Question
How does the availability of transportation affect the economic and cultural aspects of a society?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and evaluate the impact of this form of transportation on the local community.
Historical Challenges
What are some modern inventions that have replaced some of the things you see in this picture?
How do people in New York City get to work today?
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: The Stock Exchange is currently located on Broad Street. Why is the Stock Exchange such an important place not only for New York, but for the world community?
Science: How were cobblestone streets made?
English Language Arts: Compare and contrast the old picture of Broad Street.
RETURN TO RESULTS