Ep 3. Industrial New York

In the third episode of Filthy Cities Season 1, we are taken on a journey back to the late 19th century to explore the dark and dirty side of Industrial New York. Our host, Dan Snow, uncovers the grime and filth that dominated the city during a time when it was rapidly transforming into the industrial hub of the United States.

As we explore the streets of 19th century New York, we see how a city that was once known for its beautiful buildings and parks was quickly transformed into a polluted and overcrowded metropolis. The episode covers topics such as the expansion of the subway, the rise of the tenement buildings, and the formation of the gangs that controlled the streets.

We are taken on a tour of the city's waterfront, where we learn about the dangerous and dirty conditions that dock workers faced on a daily basis. The host also investigates the infamous Five Points neighborhood, where poverty and crime were rampant. We learn about the difficult living conditions of the working-class families who resided in this notorious area and the consequences of living in such squalor.

The episode also delves into the challenges faced by the city's sanitation workers as they tried to keep up with the exploding population. As we travel through the filthy streets of New York, we learn about the unhygienic conditions that existed in some of the city's most heavily populated areas and the diseases that ultimately resulted.

We meet some of the heroes who worked tirelessly to improve the conditions in New York, including Jacob Riis, a journalist and social reformer who used his photographs to expose the poverty and overcrowding in the city's slums. We also learn how the city's leaders attempted to address the sanitation crisis with new laws and regulations.

Throughout the episode, the host presents a fascinating look at the often-overlooked elements of New York's history. We learn not just about the city's incredible growth and development during the industrial revolution, but also about the people who lived through it and the challenges they faced on a daily basis.

In conclusion, this episode of Filthy Cities is a fascinating look at the gritty and grimy side of one of America's most iconic cities. It covers a wide range of topics, from the rise of the gangs to the efforts to improve sanitation, and provides a unique perspective on the challenges of urban growth during the industrial revolution. This show is a must-see for anyone interested in history, or for those who simply want to learn more about the dark and dirty underbelly of New York City.