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

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

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top