Third Avenue, North from 95th Street, 1876.

Telegraph lines along Third Avenue and buildings visible in the distance indicate the late-19th century transition from farmland to the Upper East Side’s familiar street grid. In this photo, Third Avenue is likely being prepared for the construction of the elevated railway tracks. The Third Avenue El’s Upper East Side stations opened in December 1878.

Wooden advertising boards for Murtaugh’s Dumb-Waiters and Rising Sun Stove Polish are visible on the East side of Third Avenue, while graffiti on rocks lining the West side promotes “cigars” and “liver oil pills.”