How Manhattan’s Grid Grew In 1811, John Randel created a
proposed street grid of Manhattan. The New York Times has
created a Google Map that allows you to compare Randel's map to
modern-day Manhattan. The map also includes an 1836 map of the
farms of Manhattan, a map of street openings since 1642 and
historic census data. Each of the maps is supplemented by a
transparency slider that allows you to view the modern map
underneath. The map of street openings since 1642 allows you to
visualise the growth of Manhattan. If you use the time-line
control you can watch the spread of Mahattan from just a few
streets to the present urban sprawl.