32 Photos Of New York City In 1973

    40 years ago the newly constructed World Trade Center loomed large over Lower Manhattan.

    Brian Galindo
    by Brian Galindo

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Traffic lined up on Canal St. outside the Holland Tunnel.

    2.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Cars at the entrance to the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.

    Completed in 1950, it is the longest underwater vehicular tunnel in North America.

    3.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Freight Handlers moving a stack of women’s pasties (?) outside a warehouse on Reade St.

    4.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    The historic St. Paul's Chapel on Broadway and Wall Street. Behind loom the towers of the recently completed World Trade Center.

    The church was completed in 1766.

    5.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Shoppers on Chambers St. near Church St.

    6.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    A couple enjoy a moment outside Trinity Church.

    7.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    A teacher guides her students through a tour of Morton Street Pier on the Hudson River.

    8.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    9.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    10.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Sunbathers on Morton Street Pier.

    11.

    The then newly constructed World Trade Center.

    12.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    The towers of the World Trade Center reached a height of 1,350 Feet.

    13.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    The top of the World Trade Center still under construction (photo taken from Broadway).

    14.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    The towers opened on April 4, 1973.

    15.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Towers seen from West St.

    16.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Construction underway at a Battery Park development, across from the World Trade Center.

    17.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    The Circle Line tour boat picking up sightseers at Battery Park.

    18.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Lunch hour power nap in Battery Park.

    19.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    20.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    A preacher draws a lunchtime crowd in Battery Park.

    21.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    22.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Kids playing baseball in Battery Park.

    23.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    People enjoying the view of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.

    24.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Designated motorcycle parking (near Battery Park) for downtown office workers.

    25.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Commuters board a Staten Island bound bus in the Financial District.

    26.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Commuters heading home during at rush hour at the docks of the Staten Island Ferries in Battery Park.

    27.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Flower seller at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

    28.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Commuters approaching the entrance to the terminal of the Staten Island Ferry.

    29.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    Commuters arriving at Whitehall Terminal (used by the Staten Island Ferry).

    At the time, fare cost just a nickel each way.

    30.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    End of day relaxation on the Staten Island Ferry.

    31.

    Wil Blanche/The U.S. National Archives

    World Trade Center and the lower Hudson River seen from the Staten Island Ferry.

    32.

    Looking back toward the skyline of Lower Manhattan.