Wall Street, 1907

In 1907, ten years before Childe Hassam painted Brooke Astor's "Flags, Fifth Avenue," he produced this impression of the financial district – a view up Broad Street to Wall Street and Federal Hall. (Click on thumbnail for larger image.) Lots of people in the street in those days. Not surprising – the Curb Exchange didn't move indoors until the 1920s.

1907 was the year of the Panic, the crisis that led to J. P. Morgan taming the trust companies.

Tourist note: I found the painting on Teri Tyne's Walking off the Big Apple. Her strolling guide to New York City should appeal to tourists and new residents alike.