An early bird’s-eye view of New York

A spectacular elevated prospect of New York from above Ellis Island, with Governors Island lower right. The view dates from before the building of any bridges and, on the rivers, sailing ships still outnumber paddle steamers. John Bachmann (1814-96) was born in Switzerland worked as a lithographer in Switzerland Paris before emigrating to America c.1847. He produced the first major series of bird's-eye views of American cities, including New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Havana as well as Boston.