photo #7627137

Bandit's Roost in New York, 1888. Original photo by Jacob August Ris. The investigative journalist and self-taught photographer, Jacob August Riis, used the newly-invented flashgun to illuminate the darkest corners in and around Mulberry Street, one of the worst slums in Manhattan. Residents of the alley known as Bandit's Roost at 59½ Mulberry Street in New York, Its nickname reflected the fact that it was the most dangerous spot in a neighborhood which was notorious for high levels of crime. This particular photo heavily inspired the intro scene for the movie Gangs of New York. 'Bandit's Roost' on Mulberry Street in New York City around 1888 is a renowned photograph that secured a spot on Time's list of the Top 100 Most Influential Photos of all time. The credit for this powerful image goes to Jacob Riis. During the late 1800s, New York City attracted countless immigrants from across the globe, but their arrival did not lead them to streets paved with gold. Instead, they encountered the harsh realities of 'The Gilded Age'. Jacob Riis, who himself experienced the hardships faced by immigrant families upon arriving in New York, struggled to find employment in the challenging streets of the city. However, through perseverance and determination, Riis managed to secure a position with a New York City news bureau in 1873. This opportunity eventually propelled him into becoming a police reporter for the New York Tribune. Having firsthand knowledge of life on the unforgiving streets, Riis took it upon himself to be the voice for the suffering poor. With his brave and audacious spirit, Riis ventured into the city's most perilous neighborhoods, equipped with blinding magnesium flash powder lights. Through his lens, he captured the casual crimes, grinding poverty, and alarming overcrowding that plagued these areas. One of his most famous photographs depicted a Lower East Side street gang, vividly conveying the lurking danger around every corner. These compelling images formed the foundation of his book, 'How the Other Half Lives', which compelled Americans to confront the realities they had long ignored. Riis' work also inspired reformers like the young New York politician Theodore Roosevelt, who expressed his support by writing, "I have read your book, and I have come to help." Riis' efforts played a pivotal role in the enactment of New York State's groundbreaking Tenement House Act of 1901, which aimed to improve the living conditions of the poor. In his final days, Riis confided in a friend, expressing his gratitude for having played a part in providing fresh air to the children of the tenements, especially during his own struggles for each breath of air.