The saga of Times Square, New York City, is filled with glitter, grit, and a whole lot of pizzazz. Let's dive right in!
Early Beginnings
In the early 19th century, the area that we now know as Times Square was little more than farmland. It was owned by John Jacob Astor, who made a fortune in fur trading and real estate. Astor's investments laid the groundwork for the district's development, transforming it from rural pastures to bustling blocks.
Longacre Square
Before it was Times Square, it was called Longacre Square, named after London's carriage district. In the mid-1800s, the area was a hub for carriage-makers and other horse-related industries. It was, to put it mildly, not the most glamorous part of New York.
The Subway and The Times
Everything changed in 1904 when the first subway line opened, connecting Longacre Square to the rest of the city. The same year, the New York Times moved its headquarters to a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. The newspaper's owner, Adolph Ochs, convinced the city to rename the area to Times Square in honor of the newspaper.
Electric Dreams
The first electric advertisement appeared in 1904 on the side of a bank. It was a sign for a whiskey company, and it marked the beginning of Times Square's transformation into an electric wonderland. By the 1920s, Times Square was a riot of neon lights and billboards, earning it the nickname "The Great White Way."
Broadway and Beyond
Times Square also became the heart of the Broadway theater district. The early 20th century saw the opening of iconic theaters like the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1903 and the Lyceum Theatre in 1903. These theaters showcased some of the best performances and helped solidify Times Square as the entertainment capital of the world.
The Ball Drop Tradition
One of Times Square's most famous traditions is the New Year's Eve ball drop. It started in 1907 when a 700-pound ball made of iron and wood descended from a flagpole atop the Times Tower. Today, the ball is a dazzling sphere covered in Waterford crystal and LED lights, weighing nearly 12,000 pounds.
The Roaring Twenties and Great Depression
The 1920s were a golden age for Times Square, filled with jazz, speakeasies, and nightclubs. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard. Many theaters and businesses closed, and the area became known for crime and vice.
World War II and Post-War Boom
During World War II, Times Square served as a gathering place for soldiers and sailors. The famous "V-J Day in Times Square" photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse captured the jubilant mood on August 14, 1945. The post-war years saw a resurgence in the area's fortunes, with new businesses and theaters opening up.
The Dark Ages
The 1960s and 70s were a rough period for Times Square. The area became infamous for its adult entertainment, crime, and general seediness. It was a far cry from the glitzy, glamorous image of earlier decades.
The Disneyfication
In the 1990s, Times Square underwent a massive cleanup and revitalization effort spearheaded by the city and private developers, including the Walt Disney Company. The transformation was dramatic: adult theaters were replaced by family-friendly attractions, and crime rates plummeted. The area became a tourist magnet once again.
Modern Day Marvel
Today, Times Square is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually. It's home to flagship stores, renowned eateries, and, of course, the bright billboards that make it one of the most iconic places on the planet.
Hidden Facts and Trivia
The Times Tower: The original Times Tower is now known as One Times Square. It's mostly vacant, used primarily for the New Year's Eve ball drop and as a billboard space.
Subterranean Secrets: Below Times Square, there's a massive, secret basement known as the "Times Square Room." Built during the Cold War, it was intended to serve as a fallout shelter.
The Naked Cowboy: One of Times Square's most iconic street performers is the Naked Cowboy, who has been strumming his guitar in his underwear since 1998.
Marathon Man: Times Square hosts the finish line for the annual New York City Marathon, one of the most prestigious long-distance running events in the world.
Pedestrian Plaza: In 2009, parts of Times Square were closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian plazas, making it more visitor-friendly and reducing congestion.
Tons of Trash: After the New Year's Eve celebration, the sanitation department typically removes around 50 tons of confetti, party hats, and other debris.
The Red Steps: The TKTS booth, with its iconic red steps, offers discounted Broadway tickets. It's also a popular spot for people-watching and taking in the hustle and bustle of Times Square.
So, there you have it! Times Square has undergone numerous transformations, from farmland to carriage hub, from seedy underbelly to glittering tourist attraction. It's a place where history and modernity collide in the most spectacular way possible.