The Manhattan Harbor of the 1930s

“New York Harbor in the 1930s” by George H. Rothacker, 2014
acrylic on canvas - 30" x 40"
New York Harbor, located at the mouth of the Hudson River where it empties into New York Bay, is one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

As early as the 16th century, the aboriginal Lenape used the waterways for fishing and travel. In 1648 construction of the first wharf was completed on the Manhattan bank of the lower East River, helping to establish New York City as the leading port for the British colonies.

“Watuppa” by George H. Rothacker, 2013
acrylic on canvas - 16" x 20"
(Click image for larger view)
Along with the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, the tugboat is one of the symbols of New York. Once all steam powered, the little tugs work quietly in the harbor sheperding ships into port. Between 1900 to 1950 vessels moved millions of tons of freight, immigrants, millionaires, and GIs  serving in wars, guided by the tugs that worked beside them assisting with their berthing.

At the entrance  to the harbor stands Lady Liberty, a gift to the United States from the people of France. Designed by Frederic August Bartholdi, the statue represents Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom.

“Flags of Freedom” by George H. Rothacker, 2013
acrylic on canvas - 20" x 16"
(Click image for larger view)
The statue and the land where it stood was administered by the United States Lighthouse Board until 1901 and then by the Department of War until the early 1930s. Prior to that time, Bedloe Island, as the island was then known, along with Ellis Island and Governor’s Island were chosen as defense fortifications protecting New York.

In the 1930s, buildings comprising the military fortification, Fort Hood, still provided sanctuary for military families, who lived in the shadow of the glorious Lady Liberty, until the National Park Service took over completely in 1937 , and converted the park for tourism.
Today, the harbor remains a vital part of the New York panorama and is  serviced by several cruise lines, commuter ferries and tourist excursion boats. The Port of New York and New Jersey remains the largest oil importing port and third largest container port in the nation.