What's really incredible is that no one in these photos are still alive..
When the grime of city life proved too stifling for New York residents in the late 19th century, they would arrive in droves at the popular amusement area of Coney Island - just a short distance from Manhattan.
When the grime of city life proved too stifling for New York residents in the late 19th century, they would arrive in droves at the popular amusement area of Coney Island - just a short distance from Manhattan.
Nicknamed America's Playground, the entertainment destination offered a plethora of rides, theater performances and was even said to have sideshows involving sword swallowers and snake charmers.
Beaches were packed in high summer with swarms of city dwellers, including female bathers wading into the sea in long dresses to escape the heat.
Hotels began to appear in the area and with regular rail and ferry services, the island became a popular destination for middle-class tourists as well as the wealthy.
In the later years of the 19th century, the rough and tumble party spot was even dubbed ‘Sodom by the Sea', although more family-friendly amusements began to pop up in the 1900s.
One of the most famous features was Luna Park that opened in 1903 and was a fantasy world with live camels and elephants.
These incredible black and white retrospective photographs show Coney Island in its heyday from 1896 to 1905.
Forget tiny bikinis and swimming costumes, women would wade out into the sea wearing full length Shvim dresses in 1904
The area even offered elephant rides, with four tourists perched either side of the large animal, led by a trainer (photo taken in 1905)
Taking the plunge: Spectators watch a car plunge down the track on the 'Shooting the Chutes' ride at Luna Park in 1903
Visitors riding the Loop the Loop ride in 1903 while onlookers observe. A sign warning of pickpockets can be see by the barrier
Cramped: The beaches were packed with swarms of tourists, who could even sterilise their bathing suits (circa 1900)
Take to the skies: An elevated spinning ride at Luna Park, Coney Island in 1904 allowed guests to look out over the park
Horsing around: Riders compete in a game of Wild West Polo at the Coney Island fairgrounds while crowds observe (circa 1900)
Daring feats: Guests could watch circus shows in Luna Park with sideshows involving sword-swallowers and snake charmers
Magical: As darkness fell the buildings were lit up against the sky for night time revellers to enjoy the last of the day's activities
One of the most famous features was Luna Park that opened in 1903 and was a fantasy world with live camels and elephants
Cooling off: Women and children head into the sea to escape the stifling heat in the summer of 1903
Cooling off: Tourists gathered in front of concession stands along the shoreline of Coney Island in 1896
In the later years of the 19th century, the rough and tumble party spot was even dubbed ‘Sodom by the Sea'
Despite being known as a fun area for adults, more family-friendly amusements began to later pop up in the 1900s
In the midst of reveling, a preacher from the Brookyln City Mission speaks to crowds who have gathered on the beaches (circa 1900)
Showtime: A boy and adult approaching a ticket seller's booth for the ornate Algerian Theater in 1896
Beaches were packed in high summer in 1900 with swarms of lounging city dwellers heading into the water to cool off
Visit were spoilt for choice when it came to bar and restaurant choices to entertain themselves with after a swim (photo taken in 1900)
A large group of people, some with sun parasols, walking around on the boardwalk along Surf Boulevard in 1896
Endless entertainment: A young boy and girl stand with a man looking in the direction camel rider and the large Ferris wheel in 1896
Acrobatics: New York young men play on the beach in 1904 while there is space on the sand before the crowds descend
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Cling on tight: Ropes helped bathers from drifting far into the sea and helped guide them back to the steps (circa 1900)
