Harlem-Lane from Central Park to Manhattanville

New York: D.T. Valentine, 1865. unbound. View. Original color lithograph. Sheet measures 7" x 9 1/2".

This beautiful view features Harlem-Lane or modern day St. Nicholas Avenue in New York City as viewed from Central Park to Manhattanville. Features the old country road with carriages running along the road and old houses. Harlem Lane, originally an old Indian trail, extended roughly from what is today 107th street to 125th street, where it branched into Kingsbridge Road and Manhattan Street. The 1811 Commissioners' Plan eliminated Harlem Lane, but Andrew Green, "The Father of Greater New York" retained the diagonal route to provide easier (truncated) access to the river. In 1866, the state legislature authorized the incorporation of the part of Harlem Lane and Kingsbridge Road into what is today St. Nicholas Avenue. This view was published in the 1865 edition of "Valentine's Manual", a directory of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York. In good condition. Some foxing and staining at places. Wear along original folds. Repair to original fold.

David Thomas Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years and began publishing the "Manual for the Corporation of the City of New York" in 1841. The Manuals were directories of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York that included facts about the City of New York, city history, city council information, and reported on the progress of public works such as Central Park. Popularly called Valentine's Manuals, the texts were richly illustrated with maps, lithographs, and engravings. This view provides a fascinating look at New York City. (Inventory #: 327960)