(Ella Morton of Rocketboom talks with Manhattan Borough Historian, Michael Miscione)

The above is an interesting video about the changing landscape of NYC. It’s something I’ve often wondered about, and in an unpublished novel I wrote a while back, I imagined a future in which it would come to a halt. It was just a backdrop to a scene and not the focus of the book.

(Depiction of the notorious slum, The Five Points in 1827, from Valentine’s Manual (1885) – NY Historical Society)

Five points was centered at the intersection of Mulberry, Anthony (now Worth St.), Cross (now Mosco), Orange (now Baxter), and Little Water Street (no longer exists).

(Five Points – 1837)

Here are my STORIES and PHOTOS

(PBS special on the American Revolution – Chapter 4: “The Battle for Long Island”)

It’s pretty darn shocking how many life long New Yorkers have no idea about the Battle of Brooklyn, which back then was also referred to as Long Island. If you’re one of them, watch the videos to gain some insight.

In the first battle ever by the US Army, it was a learning experience to say the least. They were surprised in the middle of the night and wound up getting shellacked. By midday they were on the run . . . 

Plus if Washington played by the rules of warfare, when his army was defeated and cornered, he should have surrendered. Then he probably would have been executed. Instead he escaped under the cover of night with his remaining troops to Manhattan.

Check out the videos and the books at the bottom of the post.

(High school kid’s project on the battle. I’m certain he got an A+!)

<< Click here for more on the battle from Wikipedia >>

Here are some of my related posts:

This from Episode Fourteen in the stories section: THE IMMORTALS

Related pictures: Old Stone House and Prospect Park

Maryland 400 Monument & Prospect Park

The above is a fantastic book on the Battle of Brooklyn by John J. Gallagher. Another great one is The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution by Barnet Schecter.

Here are my STORIES and PHOTOS

(Photo by Bald Punk – 5th Avenue & 13th Street)

“The Sidewalks of New York” is a song that was written in the 1890′s by lyricist James W. Blake and composer, Charles B. Lawlor.

Here is a segement from New York: A Documentary Film, where the song was featured.  It is sung by actor Robert Sean Leonard.

Here is a previous post regarding – New York: A Documentary Film. 

Here are my STORIES and PHOTOS

(Opening segment of New York: A Documentary Film)

Directed by Ric Burns (Ken’s brother), New York: A Documentary Film is a must see for historians, documentary film buffs, and those interested in NYC. The 14-hour PBS miniseries is quite simply my favorite film.

I bought the DVD boxset years ago and it’s still a long way from being relegated to the bottom of my closet.

I can still put on one of the various episodes and in no time at all I’m engrossed. I love the music, narration, expert commentators, editing, all the wonderful prints, paintings, and early photographs . . .

I also own the companion book, and highly recommend that too.

Here are my STORIES and PHOTOS