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Published by the New York firm of Currier and Ives, this
dramatic and colorful birds eye view observes the city from the
northeast. It places the eastern waterfront with numerous ships,
wharves, and warehouses in the foreground. A variety of
important buildings and localities are identified in the lower
margin, but are not clearly linked to specific buildings in the
drawing. As is characteristic of Currier and Ives urban views,
the buildings in the immediate foreground and center portions
are shown in the greatest detail, while the upper half of the
drawing is generalized and buildings only suggested as the city
fades into the background. Without knowledge of the 1872 Harpers
Weekly view, one would assume this to be a portrayal of the city
as it existed in 1873, the year of publication. However, this
view does not show any of the destruction resulting from the
November 1872 fire. Granted the burned district was quickly
rebuilt within one to two yea