Southern Manhattan - New York City

Aerial view the southern tip of Manhattan. Photo dated October 27, 1937 (10:20 A.M.). Source: Mitchel Field N.Y., Records of the Army Air Forces / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

This area shows many skyscrapers built on Lower Broadway, Broad Street and Wall Street, including 40 Wall Street, completed in May 1930. It was the tallest building in the world for about two months, when it was surpassed by Chrysler Building. Most of these skyscrapers were built until the early 1930s, then the Great Depression took its toll on everyone. In 1937, the giant airship Hindenburg could be seen flying over New York.

The Battery Park and the South Ferry terminals are in the foreground. Hudson River is on the left.