Why the world's most famous intersection is actually a bowtie, not a square

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Times Square is a geometric anomaly in Manhattan's rigid grid. Born from the diagonal slice of Broadway through the city's orderly streets, this iconic hub has transformed from a horse-trading center to a gritty red-light district, and finally into a neon-drenched, pedestrian-only global stage for commerce and celebration.

Originally named Longacre Square after a London carriage-trade district, the area became the city's horse-industry hub by 1872. Its identity shifted permanently in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters to a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. Publisher Adolph S. Ochs successfully lobbied the mayor to rename the intersection and install a subway station, cementing the name Times Square. The site soon became a cultural magnet, hosting the first New Year's Eve ball drop in 1907.

By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood's reputation plummeted. The Great Depression and subsequent decades saw the area descend into a notorious center for crime, gambling, and adult entertainment. By the 1980s, the district was a symbol of urban decay, with thousands of annual crime complaints. A massive revitalization effort began in the 1990s, driven by public-private partnerships, the arrival of major corporations like Disney, and strict zoning ordinances that mandated the now-iconic, high-intensity illuminated signage known as 'spectaculars'.

The modern era of Times Square is defined by its transition into a pedestrian-centric space. In 2009, Mayor Michael Bloomberg initiated a trial to close Broadway to vehicular traffic, eventually creating permanent plazas paved with granite. While this move reduced accidents and increased foot traffic, it sparked ongoing debates regarding the 'Disneyfication' of the neighborhood and the management of street performers. Today, the area remains a unique regulatory zone where building owners are required to maintain a minimum level of light, ensuring the district never goes dark.

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