How did Times Square in New York get its Name?

When walking through Times Square in New York City, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. Crowds of people line the streets, neon lights dazzle, and the sheer energy of the area is palpable. It’s beloved by both locals and tourists alike, and its iconic moniker – “The Great White Way’ – is surely familiar to everyone who’s ever heard of New York City. But how did Times Square get its name? Where does the “Times’ come from, and why do New Yorkers call it “The Great White Way’?In this article, we’ll explore some of the history of Times Square – paying particular attention to the area’s name. We’ll also look at some of the changes the area has undergone since its founding, offering an in-depth view of this iconic piece of New York City. So read on to find out more about the history of Times Square and its famous nickname.

The History of Times Square

Times Square started life in 1872, when the owners of a horse omnibus line created a tram station at the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway. Although the early hub was mainly occupied by a modest collection of retail stores and warehouses, it steadily grew in popularity, largely due to its close proximity to several major theatres and Broadway. By the 1880s, The New York Times had established a building just off Times Square – hence its popular renaming – bringing with it several hundred employees who regenerated both the area and Broadway. Due to the paper’s success (it was one of the country’s most popular papers at this time), the area acquired several new outlets, venues, and entertainment spaces which further boosted its already flourishing reputation.

The Transformation of Times Square

In 1904, an influential real estate entrepreneur called Alfred Ochs purchased The New York Times. Buffeted by his success – and spurred on by a host of entrepreneurs and city planners – his profound transformation of the area resulted in the sweeping set of renovations which defined Times Square in the 20th century. Ochs’ large-scale urban revitalization saw the installation of traffic lights and public electricity (the first ever to be installed in an American city), whilst numerous music halls, movie theatres, theatres and other live entertainment venues popped up all over the area. He also adopted an advertising policy which allowed huge electric signs and bulbs to be displayed on every building – earning it its nickname “The Great White Way’. Into the 1930s, Times Square continued to attract celebrities, songwriters and rich playboys alike – becoming something of a playground for those with money to burn. Whilst some disapproved of its rowdy reputation (which had become rife with crime and seedy activity) many celebrated its notoriety. Today, Times Square remains one of New York’s most iconic attractions; numerous digital billboards illuminate its streets, making it the most innovatively publicized location in the world. As an added bonus to inspire equal measures of both awe and envy, many midtown hotels tower over the busy thoroughfare.

Why is Times Square Called ‘The Great White Way’?

It’s likely that every newspaper reader of Ochs’ time heard stories detailing William H. Ince’s $300 million plans to transform Broadway into an enormous avenue allocated with electric signage. Impressed by their grandeur, Ochs aptly named this project “the Great White Way’ – a nod to its dazzling aurora of light. Over the years, this nickname has slowly been replaced by “Times Square’ as we know it – but whenever you see pictures or footage of this hub, you can still recognize it instantly as that “Great White Way”. What’s more, as we already mentioned above, this nickname may still be used today as a popular rallying cry for those with large sums to spend; no longer just for those in the know or involved directly in architectural revolution, but for anyone who travels through this reputable area or looks upon it from afar. The ‘Great White Way’ has come to represent a grandiose success story – one characterized by hard work and ambition combined with pure passion for achieving something beautiful.

Conclusion

Times Square remains one of the most magnetic areas of New York City – drawing people in with both its ability to amaze and its irresistible charm. But since its founding in 1872, there have been several moments in its history which have defined its presence today. The “Great White Way’ is just one example; whilst these words may have once been used to applaud its renovations, they have become symbolic of everything that makes this spot so spectacular. To learn more about Times Square and its extraordinary past, be sure to visit this article, which has detailed info about its incredible evolution over the last few decades – from Alfred Ochs’ purchasing The New York Times in 1904 to one of New York City’s largest tourist attractions today.