Bethesda Terrace, Central Park

This old photograph shows the Bethesda Terrace, its fountain and lake (background), in Central Park. The Terrace was constructed in the 1860s and is considered the heart of Central Park. The fountain was officially completed in 1873. Date Issued: 1892. Source: King's Handbook of New York City; an outline history and description of the American metropolis. Color version was published in a postcard form (on the right).

Here some text from the King's Handbook: "To the north the Mall terminates in the Terrace, the chief architectural feature of the Park. There is an Esplanade on the shore of the lake, and the Bethesda Fountain stands there. A central stairway leads down to the Esplanade under the road, beneath which is a tiled hall with arched roof. On either hand outside are other flights of steps. The Terrace is built of a light-brown freestone, with beautiful decorative details, and very intricate carvings of birds and animals."

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