Stunning photos show how Central Park has changed
Central Park has long been a staple in New York City life ever since it was first established in 1857.
But prior to the park getting the large stature and recognition that it is now known for, a 15-acre patch of greenery served a much different purpose.
The area - known as Sheep Meadow - was home to approximately 200 pedigree Southdown sheep for 70 years.
Sheep Meadow was an ideal location from visitors to flock to the sheep and observe them as they grazed.
Furthering the mission of Central Park, the Sheep Meadow was just another way that the harsh realities of urban living, could be escaped.
Sheep would remain in the area up until 1934 when they were moved to Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
In 1981 Sheep Meadow would open again to the public, this time as a lush area for people to convene and relax under the sun.
Central Park was established in 1857 as a way for the rich politicians and businessmen of New York City to escape the urban dwelling and lifestyle they were so used to living
A 15-acre patch of greenery served a much different purpose than the lush scenes that the park would soon be known for (1850s)
The area - known as Sheep Meadow - was home to approximately 200 pedigree Southdown sheep for 70 years (1864)
The sheep were a staple in the park and protected by New Yorkers
A camel is hitched to a lawn mower in Sheep Meadow in 1869
Sheep Meadow was an ideal location from visitors to flock to the sheep and observe them as they grazed (1900)
A postcard made between 1909-1916 shows buildings off the West side of New York. Sheep can be seen grazing in the grass
Boys and girls of Public School No. 10 play together not too far from where the sheep roam in 1919
Sheep would remain in the area up until 1934 when they were moved to Prospect Park in Brooklyn
Children take part in a dance festival and swing in circles (1963)
A large crowd gathers in 1967 to hear Barbra Streisand on June 117. Her movie 'Funny Girl' was slated to come out and she gave a two-hour one woman show to about 100,000 people
Masses gather at an Anti-Vietnam peace rally at Sheep Meadow on April 27, 1968
News trucks and people gather in Central Park during a broadcast of the 1969 moon landing. They had floating balloons and floodlights to see
A group of men crawl during a fun in the sun day filled with activities (1970)
A gay couple enjoy a day in Sheep Meadow (1971). In 1981 Sheep Meadow would open again to the public, this time as a lush area for people to convene and relax under the sun
People lounge in the sun and enjoy the nice weather after Sheep Meadow underwent an irrigation change in 2001 (2004)
A herd of sheep being filmed in 2004 for a scene in 'Little Manhattan' which was slated for a 2005 release