The Youle Shot Tower

Can you imagine midtown Manhattan as rural farmland? I recently stumbled upon a painting by Frederic Church of East 53rd Street and the East River in a very different setting than today’s urban jungle of glass skyscrapers and asphalt streets.

This is a view of the East River looking north with Blackwell's Island in the distance. - Painting: Frederic Edwin Church
Look, Manhattan cows!

Something certainly forgotten (as I learned upon more research) was Youle’s Shot Tower. But what exactly is a shot tower? Invented in the 1780s, it served as a pivotal apparatus in the manufacturing of musket balls. Molten lead would cascade from the tower's heights, solidifying into spherical projectiles as it descended into a cooling basin below. Such towers existed globally… Baltimore’s tower still stands in its downtown area to this day.

55th Street looking south along the East River, quite a difference from today. - Engraving: Valentine's Manual 1860

This is an illustration of the Breevort Estate with the Youle Shot Tower in the distance. - Illustration: Valentine's Manual 1860

George Youle’s shot tower was built in 1821 at the foot of the East River between 53rd and 54th Street and stood 175 feet tall. Keep in mind, this was probably the tallest structure for miles around, so it got a lot of attention. It was designed by renowned New York architect John McComb, Jr, who is noted for designing New York City Hall, Gracie Mansion, St. Mark’s Church In-the-Bowery, Hamilton Grange and the Montauk Point Lighthouse.

The shot tower in 1906 as New York City expanded around it. - Photo: MCNY

It was eventually torn down in the 1920’s as musket balls were obsolete and New York City was rapidly expanding northward.

River House in the 1930s. - Photo: NYPL Digital Collection

In 1931 the art deco Coop River House was constructed on the site. This 26 story apartment building had a gym, pool and dining room along with a private dock where residents could park their yachts! Yes, please.

Here is a close up of the River House's private docks. - Photo: NYPL Digital Collection

Unfortunately, the East River Drive (FDR) eliminated the private docks within a few years of it opening. 

Isn't it amazing how Manhattan transformed so dramatically in just 100 years?