Rare image of the original Tombs Prison being dismantled to make way for a newer structure, c. 1898. Apparently nothing was spared. There was a push to rebuild the structure in Central Park for nostalgic purposes but the cost was too prohibitive. Here is a great article mentioning the preservation effort at the time: http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2011/07/lost-1838-egyptian-revival-tombs.html
Walk this history: the streets in this article are on the route of our 1,000 Years of New York City History Walking Tour, a private walking tour led by historians and lifelong locals. Private tours run daily on request — $150 for one hour / $300 for two hours per group. To book, visit leshp.org or call (347) 465-7767. Also see our Five Points / Chinatown / Little Italy Walking Tour.
Eric is a 4th generation Lower East Sider, professional NYC history author, movie & TV consultant, and founder of Lower East Side History Project.
See the Lower East Side for yourself
The Lower East Side History Project leads private walking tours led by native New Yorker historians — just your group, at your pace.
- Mafia Walking Tour
- Jewish Lower East Side Walking Tour
- Jewish Mob Walking Tour
- 1,000 Years of NYC History Walking Tour
- Five Points, Chinatown & Little Italy Walking Tour
Private tours: 1 hour $150 / 2 hours $300 per group. Call (347) 465-7767 or contact us to book.