Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island

Told in dazzling maps and informative sidebars, Manhattan explores the 400+ year history of Manhattan Island.



From before its earliest settlement to the vibrant metropolis that
exists today, the island of Manhattan has always been a place of
struggle, growth, and radical transformation. Humans, history, and
natural events have shaped this tiny sliver of land for more than 400
years. In Manhattan, travel back in time to discover how a
small rodent began an era of rapid change for the island. Learn about
immigration, the slave trade, and the people who built New York City.
See how a street plan projected the city’s future, and how epic fires
and storms led to major feats of engineering above and below ground.
Through dramatic illustrations, informative sidebars, and detailed maps
inspired by historic archives, Manhattan explores the rich history that
still draws people from all around the world to the island’s shores
today. From The Battery downtown up to Inwood, every inch of the island
has a story to tell.