America has a plethora of wildly diverse and distinct major cities. The vastness of the country makes each state feel unique, like it has its own personality. This goes for all of the major cities sprinkled across the country. Each major city has its own flair and is known for specific foods, themes, sports, buildings, and views. From cities like Boston and New York City on the East coast, to San Francisco and Seattle on the West, America is full of iconic cities that make popular tourist destinations. Many of these cities were only founded within the last couple hundred years. But in that relatively short time, they have grown significantly and each has a distinct vibe and scenery. Let’s take a look at what some of America’s great cities looked like about 100 years ago. You might just recognize a few that you have been to! New York City, Lower East Side. Circa 1900 New York City, Lower Manhattan. 1931 San Francisco streetcar off the rails near Powell, c. 1940 San Francisco, 1929 San Francisco. New Montgomery south from Market Street, November 10, 1936. Colorized photo of downtown Chicago Loop in 1900 Chicago Seattle. Pioneer Square, early 1900s Downtown San Diego Downtown Boston in 1930 Los Angeles. Los Angeles. Bunker Hill from Pershing Square. 1900 Miami New Orleans, French Quarter. New Orleans, Jackson Square. 1939. The early Las Vegas strip Portland waterfront, early 1900s. Nashville Nashville. Union Station. Circa 1900 San Jose. Mid-1930s San Jose. Market Street. 1930s Philadelphia Philadelphia. 1939 Houston. Early 1900s Houston Madison, 1915 Northwest view of downtown Denver between 1929 and 1933 Washington D.C. Capitol Building. 1923The post Photos of America’s Great Cities in the Early 20th Century first appeared on History Defined.