NEW YORK CITY in 1866, Cholera and Fever Nests

I love my vintage and antique literature.  I have many original newspapers, magazines, and books from the 1800s through the 1970s.  I enjoy sharing this history with others and hope it will be shared with young people....to keep alive this ACTUAL history that is often forgotten.


These images appeared in Frank Leslie's illustrated Newspaper dated Sept. 15, 1866.  This shows the stark contrast between societies.


The article is titled "THE CHOLERA AND FEVER NESTS OF NEW YORK".  It discusses the "great evil" of social life in a large city.  The article outlines that these areas were home to squalid poverty, a poisonous atmosphere, rendered almost deadly by the careless habits of the people, a degree of filth too disgusting for description.  The images are scans of the engravings which illustrate the level of poverty described in the article.  Apparently, the Dept. of Health took prudent measures to confine the plague to these 'nests', but was unable to prevent entrance and spread of diseases.

SHANTIES ON EIGHTH AVENUE

RIVINGTON PLACE, GOERCK STREET

THE DRY HYDRANT, BAXTER STREET



Just a few pages over in the same newspaper.....we see President Johnson arriving on 5th Ave & 14th St.   These pictures show the extreme variances in living conditions in New York City in the year 1866.

THE ARRIVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND SUITE AT DELMONICO'S, CORNER OF FIFTH AVENUE AND FOURTEENTH STREET, NEW YORK CITY, WHERE TEH MILITARY PASSED IN REVIEW