In the late 19th century, Coney Island began its rapid development into what is now an iconic tourist destination in New York City. By 1868 — just a few years after the end of the Civil War — a guidebook listed Coney Island as the “best beach on the Atlantic coast,” and the popular waterfront brought in up to 30,000 visitors every weekend.
By the turn of the 20th century, Coney Island reached its peak in popularity. Visitors flocked to both Coney Island’s beaches and newly built amusement parks, which offered magical wonders for people of every socio-economic class to enjoy. And here’s what Coney Island looked like 100 years ago:
Coney Island started to flourish as a resort town in the 1860s, and by the 1890s — pictured — its first amusement park opened, drawing even more visitors to its sandy beaches and boardwalk.
Coney Island in 1898.
Women enjoying frozen custard on the Coney Island boardwalk in 1900.
Women eating lunch at Coney Island in 1900.
Two women ride the Ferris wheel at Coney Island in the year 1900.
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