History of Times Square - The Art of Living

Discover the History Of

Times SQuare

Times Square, located in the heart of Manhattan,

has transformed from a humble square to one of the world’s most iconic and bustling entertainment hubs and the origin of the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop.

Early History

Times Square was originally known as Longacre Square, named after the city’s former horse and carriage district. In the late 19th century, the area began to develop rapidly, and the arrival of the subway in 1904 contributed to its growth. The New York Times, which had just built a new skyscraper in the area, persuaded the city to rename the square to Times Square in 1904.

The Great White Way

During the early 20th century, Times Square became the epicenter of the American theater industry and earned the nickname “The Great White Way” due to the bright lights of the theaters. This era marked the first significant transformation of Times Square into a vibrant entertainment district.

Billboards and Neon Lights

In the 1920s and 1930s, Times Square experienced another evolution with the advent of electric advertising. Billboards and neon lights transformed Times Square into a mesmerizing spectacle, capturing the attention of both New Yorkers and tourists.

Decline and Revitalization

By the 1960s, Times Square became associated with crime, dilapidated buildings, and adult entertainment establishments. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the district went through a period of decline, often referred to as the “seedy” or “prostitution” era. Efforts to revitalize Times Square began in the 1990s, leading to significant improvements in the subsequent years.

The New Times Square

The revitalization of Times Square was a collaborative effort involving city officials, urban planners, and private developers. Renovations, new construction projects, and zoning regulations transformed Times Square into a family-friendly destination with theaters, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The Ball Drop

The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square has become a globally recognized tradition. The origins of this event date back to December 31, 1907, when the first ball drop took place. The event was organized by The New York Times to celebrate the opening of their new headquarters in Times Square.

The original ball, made of iron and wood, weighed around 700 pounds and was adorned with 100 light bulbs. Since then, the ball has undergone several redesigns and enhancements. Today, the iconic New Year’s Eve ball is a geodesic sphere measuring 12 feet in diameter, weighing around 11,875 pounds, and featuring thousands of LED lights.

Each year, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square, marking the beginning of the new year. This tradition attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to Times Square, and millions more watch the event on television around the world.

Times Square continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive as a symbol of New York City’s energy and vibrancy. It remains a beacon of entertainment, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience its unique atmosphere and the excitement of one of the world’s most famous intersections.

Images from The New York Public Library, the Library of Congress, openverse.org, and Jim Evans.