Columbus Circle NY

Photograph shows Columbus Circle, looking south, with people, streetcars, buildings and the Christopher Columbus monument, 1910. The 59th Street is on the left. Source: H.N. Tiemann & Co. photograph collection, 1880-1916 / New-York Historical Society.

In the early 20th century, the area around the Columbus Monument was a popular gathering space for proselytizers and orators of all types, but the convergence of various types and directions of traffic, including trolleys and automobiles, made it dangerous for pedestrians.