Photos of America’s Great Cities in the Early 20th Century

Last updated on December 8th, 2024 at 07:16 pm

America has a plethora of wildly diverse and distinct major cities. The vastness of the country makes each state feel unique, like it has its own personality.

This goes for all of the major cities sprinkled across the country. Each major city has its own flair and is known for specific foods, themes, sports, buildings, and views.

From cities like Boston and New York City on the East coast, to San Francisco and Seattle on the West, America is full of iconic cities that make popular tourist destinations.

Many of these cities were only founded within the last couple hundred years. But in that relatively short time, they have grown significantly and each has a distinct vibe and scenery.

Let’s take a look at what some of America’s great cities looked like about 100 years ago. You might just recognize a few that you have been to!

New York City, Lower East Side. Circa 1900

New York City, Lower Manhattan. 1931

San Francisco streetcar off the rails near Powell, c. 1940

San Francisco, 1929

San Francisco. New Montgomery south from Market Street, November 10, 1936.

Colorized photo of downtown Chicago Loop in 1900

Chicago

Seattle. Pioneer Square, early 1900s

Downtown San Diego

Downtown Boston in 1930

Los Angeles.

Los Angeles. Bunker Hill from Pershing Square. 1900

Miami

New Orleans, French Quarter.

New Orleans, Jackson Square. 1939.

The early Las Vegas strip

Portland waterfront, early 1900s.

Nashville

Nashville. Union Station. Circa 1900

San Jose. Mid-1930s

San Jose. Market Street. 1930s

Philadelphia

Philadelphia. 1939

Houston. Early 1900s

Houston

Madison, 1915

Northwest view of downtown Denver between 1929 and 1933

Washington D.C. Capitol Building. 1923

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