The Iconography of Manhattan Island facts for kids
The Iconography of Manhattan Island is a huge six-book series about the history of New York City. Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes wrote it, and it was published between 1915 and 1928. These books carefully record important events in the city's history from the 1500s to the early 1900s. They even show how the famous Manhattan skyline changed over time.
What is The Iconography?
Stokes and his research teams looked all over the world for information. They searched public and private collections for old maps, guides, and hard-to-find documents. Their goal was to create a complete history of New York City.
The books describe how a small, protected Dutch settlement grew into a major city. Only a limited number of these books were made. There were 360 sets printed on special paper and 42 sets on Japanese vellum (a type of fine parchment). The book itself says the paper was from England, not Holland.
The many writers of the Iconography share interesting stories. They talk about everyday people and also praise important figures. They found information in old ledgers, accounting books, and even small scraps of paper. Stokes said these papers were found in messy piles in old schools and record halls around the world. Much of this original information has since been lost or destroyed. In the very first edition, Stokes included a note. He apologized to readers because he had to change the paper supplier. This was due to shortages during World War I.
Who Was Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes?
Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes came from a rich and forward-thinking New York family. After studying at Harvard University, he wanted to help improve housing for poor people. His first project was building better homes near the "Five Points" area in Lower Manhattan. This neighborhood had many problems because of crowded homes, poverty, and sickness.
Stokes understood how to make living conditions better for New York's poor. He focused on improving sanitation with modern building methods. Other reformers like Jacob Riis and Carl Schurz shared his ideas. Stokes's work helped create the New York Tenement Housing Law of 1901. This law set new rules for safer and healthier apartment buildings.
Stokes also left behind three other important buildings. One is St. Paul's Chapel (Columbia University) at Columbia University. Another is 953 Fifth Avenue, a large apartment building designed in the Italian Renaissance style. It is located near 76th Street (Manhattan). The third is 184 Eldridge Street, which has been home to the University Settlement Society of New York since 1898. This building is now a recognized landmark.
Later in his life, Stokes faced financial difficulties. Some of his real estate investments did not do well. After his huge publishing project, he was in a tough spot. Stokes spent his final years working at the New York Public Library. He was a curator, specializing in old city views and prints.
