Times Square, New York: History and Interesting Facts

The most visited place in the world, according to the authoritative magazine “Forbes,” is Times Square. Every year, over 50 million tourists spend their leisure time here, with 300,000 pedestrians passing through daily and 115,000 vehicles driving by, ferrying New Yorkers to their destinations. It’s no wonder this location has a second, unofficial name—”The Crossroads of the World.”

Geographically, the landmark is situated in the center of Manhattan, at the intersection of the famous Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Times Square consists of five blocks, hosting the epicenter of the entertainment industry in the United States.

Life buzzes here at all hours, with intense activity that never slows down. People flock like moths to the neon lights, the glitter of skyscraper windows, and the charm and flamboyance of the theater district regulars. But it wasn’t always this way.

The History of Times Square

In the late 18th century, the area that is now Times Square was a vacant lot where local wealthy man John Morin Scott built his mansion and engaged in farming. Around the horse farm, wooden shacks for the enterprise’s workers gradually sprang up. Before the revolution, the area was considered rural.

In 1904, the “New York Times” office was opened here, and a month later, the first neon sign appeared on a building owned by a local bank. These events gave a significant boost to the economic development of the region. Many companies also wanted to relocate their offices here.

Due to its advantageous location, Times Square became not only a commercial but also a cultural center. Hotels, restaurants, concert halls, and theaters sprang up rapidly. New skyscrapers rose like mushrooms after rain, along with corruption, crime, illegal gambling houses, and prostitution.

Approved as part of New York’s long-term development plan, the aim was to tackle these societal vices. It took over two decades and massive financial investments to restore order. But the renovated square was worth it! Today, it’s not just a district in the metropolis; it’s its heart and main landmark. Rumor has it that it takes more than a week to see and appreciate all the attractions of Times Square.

Interesting Facts About Times Square

1. Initially named Longacre Square, the name was changed to Times Square after the construction of the Times Building.
2. There’s a special law requiring building owners in Times Square to display neon signs and bright billboards on their facades.
3. Electricity is never turned off in the square. The only time the neon signs went dark for three days was in 2003 during a massive power outage that affected eight states.
4. Times Square is home to the famous crystal ball that marks the arrival of New Year. The descent of the ball begins precisely at 11:59 PM on New Year’s Eve, reaching the bottom exactly at midnight.
5. The Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, was routed through Times Square, connecting 13 states.
6. Times Square has traditionally been a gathering place for locals awaiting important news, such as the results of presidential elections or significant events like a state baseball team’s victory. The absolute record for the most people gathered in one place was set in 2000 when 2 million people assembled at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue.
7. Times Square is home to the famous “Stairway to Nowhere.” Its red-colored steps simply end at a height of about 6 meters. This tourist attraction was designed specifically for stunning photos, offering a beautiful view of the square.
8. The location offers tourists a chance to admire the enormous NASDAQ company billboard, the installation of which cost nearly $37 million.
9. At Times Square, you can pay for admission to any Broadway show. Special ticket booths offer unsold tickets at a 50% discount on the day of the performance.
10. During the Great Depression, most theaters in Times Square were converted into strip shows to stay afloat.
11. Times Square boasts a flagship Disney store.
12. Today, the square is one of the most expensive and fashionable districts in the city. However, there is a special place for low-income people where they can use free internet and get the latest news.
13. Times Square has a tradition. Every morning, the show “Good Morning America” is broadcast on a huge LED screen here.
14. Another attraction located in Times Square is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The museum features 200 figures of showbiz stars, and unlike the British Exhibition Hall, all exhibits here are freely accessible, with some even “coming to life.”
15. You can officially register your marriage in Times Square. However, you’ll need to enlist the services of a rather extravagant cowboy with a guitar.
16. Every August 14th, you can participate in a flash mob on Times Square with your significant other, recreating the iconic 1945 photo where a sailor kisses a young woman dressed as a nurse.
17. Times Square is home to the “Steakhouse” restaurant, where the famous physicist Albert Einstein often had lunch.