Vintage Images of City Hall Park, New York City

The City Hall Park, in Lower Manhattan, is a historic area in New York City. Several of the early skyscrapers were built around the Park.

During Dutch rule, the site was a communal land established by settlers, known as the Commons. In the 18th century, it was the site of civic institutions such as an almshouse, jails, and barracks, as well as burial grounds. The nine-acre area became a public park around the early 18th century.

The construction of the City Hall building started in 1803 and it was opened in 1812, when the city government moved from the old Federal Hall, on Wall Street. The Old New York County Courthouse (now Tweed Courthouse) was constructed from 1861 and 1881.

Historical post card City Hall Park in the early 20th century, published by H. C. Leighton Co. The Post Office building is on the right, outside the image. Newspaper Row was a name given to part of Park Row with some newspaper buildings.

A view of the City Hall Park from the 25th floor of the Municipal Building. Photograph published by Keystone View Company, 1929 (source: Library of Congress).

The City Hall Park Fountain in 2011 (credit: Will Steacy / NYC & Company). The architect was Jacob Wrey Mould (cast: 1872).