Home / Environment / Manhattan's Past: From Wetlands to Skyscrapers
Manhattan's Past: From Wetlands to Skyscrapers
1 Nov
Summary
- Manhattan was once a natural habitat of wetlands and forests.
- LaGuardia Airport replaced oyster reefs and Lenape trails.
- Millions of cubic yards of waste filled NYC's bay and wetlands.
A recently released book delves into the deep natural history of New York City, revealing its past as a pristine landscape. Before the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Manhattan and its surrounding areas were a vibrant ecosystem of wetlands, forests, and waterways. This historical exploration highlights the dramatic transformation over centuries.
Sites like the one where LaGuardia Airport now stands were once characterized by oyster reefs and ancient Lenape walking paths. Inland areas featured streams and marshes where wildlife roamed. This natural state was gradually altered as human settlements expanded and developed.
By the late 19th century, the landscape shifted from farms to amusement parks and beer halls. This era was short-lived, as the rise of automobiles and air travel necessitated further changes. By 1939, a significant portion of the bay and wetlands had been substantially altered, filled with over 17 million cubic yards of cinders, ashes, and trash.
