Views from the Digital Collections: Coney Island by Cierra Bland, CommunicationsJuly 15, 2021

Couple sitting on a pier overlooking crowds at the beach
Coney Island. Brooklyn, NY. Morris Huberland. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5381823

Coney Island is one of the most famous destinations in New York City for both tourists and locals alike. The Coney Island we know today was once an island off the coast of Brooklyn. In 1840, a bridge was built to connect the island to the mainland. Soon after, Ocean Avenue was paved and major railways were constructed, creating a clear path to the beach. By the end of the nineteenth century, the island was a hot spot. Grand hotels were erected, the inlet separating the island from the mainland was filled, and Coney Island became a full-on destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Explore hundreds of photos of Coney Island over the years, in #NYPLDigitalCollections. 

Crowded Coney Island beach and boardwalk
Riegelmann boardwalk at Coney Island beach in  1931. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 731996F
Steeplechase Park at Coney Island with view of large outdoor pool
Outdoor swimming pool at  Coney Island's Steeplechase Park in 1931. Ewing Galloway. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 732025F
Luna Park at Coney Island in 1910
Luna Park at Coney Island in 1910. Geo P. Hall & Son. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 731916F
People on the pier at Coney Island
Coney Island. Brooklyn, NY. Morris Huberland. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5381836
Couple eating hotdogs on Coney Island pier
New York. Couple eating. Morris Huberland. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5749336
People on the pier at Coney Island wearing swimsuits
New York, NY. Coney Island. Morris Huberland. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5749412
Youth on Coney Island Beach in 1991
Youth on Coney Island Beach, 1991. Harvey Stein. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5033980
Girls on Coney Island Pier in 1991
Girls on Coney Island Pier, 1991. Harvey Stein. NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 5033974

 

See more photos of Coney Island in #NYPLDigitalCollections.

 

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