Paving The Road North Of Central Park

This barren scene is Sixth Avenue (renamed Lenox Avenue in 1887 and additionally named Malcom X Boulevard in 1987) just north of Central Park.

As the northern boundary of the city kept expanding the grading and opening of streets continued further north.

The photograph by Rockwood is dated 1871. Two of the steamrollers appear to be providing their own locomotion without  horses.

Within 20 years this area would be completely filled with apartment houses and private homes.