Monday, March 21, 2011

A Momentous Occasion

Perhaps the single most important development in New York City history took place 200 years ago tomorrow.
 
 
To get a sense of the distinction between the unplanned city and the city of today, all you need to do is walk along Seventh Avenue from, say, 23rd Street to Houston.
 
North of 14th, the streets are laid out logically, making a serial and numerical progression. Below 14th Street, you will find places where 4th Street actually crosses 10th Street, and nevermind how Barrow Street goes.