Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The history of this iconic landmark is rather interesting, particularly when you consider that
in the late 18th and early 19th century, the majority of the area was an estate comprised of
countryside that was used for horse breeding programs and farming. The estate belonged to
John Morin Scott, who served under George Washington. As the land changed hands over
the years, parcels of it were sold to those with real estate ventures in mind, including hotel
builders.
In 1872, it had progressed to being the very center of the carriage industry in New York.
Without a name, city authorities took it upon themselves to name it Longacre Square, in
recognition of Long Acre in London; which was the center of the London carriage trade.
As New York City grew through the decades, it fast became a hub of culture, with music
halls and theatres. Today there are museums, including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum,
