1871 Kellogg and Pilat Map of City Hall Park, New York City

A scarce 1871 map of City Hall Park in New York City by Kellogg and Pilat.

City Hall Park

The plan covers City Hall Park, the seat of the city government, located in downtown Manhattan. In the late 17th century, the area was a pasture outside city limits known as the Commons, with a Native American trail running along its western boundary (now Broadway). Several buildings, including an almshouse dating to the late 18th century (archeological evidence of which was unearthed in 1989), a prison, a parade ground, a public execution site, a museum, a post office, and a city hall have been built on this site over the years, with the city hall being the only building remaining to this day.

Improving the Park

The park has since been massively redesigned, but some of the elements of this 1871 plan can still be recognized. This plan, by Parks Engineer in Chief M. A. Kellogg and Chief Landscape Gardener I. A. Pilat, illustrates various improvements, including the Mould Fountain. In 1871, the Croton Fountain, built in 1842, was replaced with a new fountain designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. The Mould Fountain was temporarily relocated but returned to City Hall Park in 1999.

This plan also notes the location of the Post Office (demolished 1939), built in 1867 on the southern tip of the park.

Publication History and Census

This plan was created by M. A. Kellogg and I. A. Pilat for the First Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners of the Department of Public Parks for the Year Ending May 1, 1871. Specific maps of City Hall Park are scarce, making this a rare find and an interesting addition to any serious collection focusing on New York City.