Times Square, Symbol of New York City

Whenever you hear the words “Times Square” the first thing most people think of is the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.  However, Times Square is so much more than a site to ring in the New Year.  Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square has a rich history all of its own.  Formerly known as Longacre Square, Times Square was named after the offices of the New York Times in 1904.  How appropriate that this is the same building that the ball drops from each December 31.

Times Square started earning its reputation as the premier theater district during the early 1900s and World War I.  However, the Great Depression hit the theater district hard and forced many venues to close.  Times Square slowly deteriorated over time until  the 1960s and 1970s, when it was filled with live nude shows, X-rated movie theaters and adult bookstores.  By 1975 Times Square had the highest crime rate in all of New York City, and seemed to be the poster child for urban decay.  However, in the 1980s the city and state began a serious effort to revitalize the area, reopening theaters and businesses.  

Today Times Square receives 26 million visitors each year and has 27,000 permanent residents. Part of the change has come about because of the “Disneyfication” of Times Square, turning this area into a family friendly destination, full of adventure for all ages.  Times Square has returned to its roots from the early 1900s, once again considered the premier theater and entertainment district of the U.S.