My Top Five facts about the Gilded Age of New York.

My Top Five facts about the Gilded Age of New York.

I love the history of New York City, it has many layers to ponder. From Dutch influence and the American Revolution to epic personalities that set the stage for the modern world. I find the Gilded Age 1855-1897 to be one of most favorite periods and the focus of my illustration. Reading the history of this age continually blows me away, below are some of my personal highlights.

•The rise of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall, this guy was one of the original Manhattan bastards.

•Thomas Nast was at the height of his illustration powers. Here is the dude who established the look of Santa Claus and via his cartoons, mocked corrupt politicians.

•Edison and Tesla were alive and well and walking the streets of NYC. Wow!

•Museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History were being created and establishing New York as a culture leader in the art world.

•The Statue of Liberty was about to be delivered to NYC harbor.