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Leisure Activities
Frederick Law Olmsted planned Central Park in New York. Other cities followed suit by adding parks, zoos, and gardens. -
Period: to
Urbanization
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Urbanization in the late 1800's
Less than 5 percent of America's population lived in urban areas. 1 in 5 Americans lived in the city. -
Completion of the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, linked the city center in Manhattan to outlying Brooklyn. As a result, New York City was able to spread out to house it growing population. -
Creation of Skybuilders
Cities began upward and outward. Architects in Chicago constructed the first 10-story building -- a skyscraper because its top seemed to touch the sky. -
The First Electric Streetcar System
Opened in Richmond, Virginia. Along with the firsrt electric subway trains in Boston. -
1 in 3 Americans lived in a city
For the first time, the United States had cities the sizes of London and Paris. Cities attracted industry, adn industry attracted people. Farmers, immigrants, and African Americans from the South all migrated to cities in search of jobs and excitement. -
Steel-Framed Skyscrapers
Steel-framed skyscrapers were built as high as 30 stories, electric elevators wihisked office workers to the the upper floors. -
Population density
Lowest urban density of 2,141 per square mile recorded in 1990. -
Recent Urbanization
Americans continue to prefer their lower density lifestyles, with both suburbs and exurbs growing more rapidly than the past. -
Urbanization now
More than 80 percent of citizens live in urban areas.
