Time Square in New York

The area now known as Times Square first started out as Longacre Square. At that time is was considered a dangerous place, home to gang, brothels and others of ill repute. It was renamed Times Square in 1904 when the New York Times building became the cornerstone of the area. The renaming ceremony was held on New Year’s Eve of that year. Every year since then, hundreds to thousands of people come to see the annual ball dropping ceremony. During the First World War, Times Square was a popular location for the production and filming of movies. In a 13-block area, 113 productions were staged in 42 theaters. But by the 1960s and 1970s, Times Square had become a sinkhole again. It was home to live nude shows, erotic bookstores and X-rated movie houses. Times Square once again became one of the more dangerous places in New York City. Due to work by business and public officials, Times Square became a safer, bustling tourist area by the 1990s. It is the only area in the city where signs must be big, bright and flashy. The area receives an estimated 26 million visitors each year. Attractions include live theater, movies, and performances. The area features many stores, hotels and restaurants.