In 1785, the capital of the new United States of America was located in New York City. Although short-lived, this designation lasted until 1790 when the capital moved to Philadelphia. However, in this short period of time, the metropolis grew rapidly, and in the years that followed, it surpassed its rival cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Boston, not only in population but in the growth of commerce, and municipal resources.

Source: Christian Advocate and Journal (1827-1828); Aug 3, 1827; 1, 48.

The volume “Sketch of the resources of the city of New-York, with a view of the municipal government, population, &c. &c. from the foundation of the city to the date of the latest statistical accounts,” published by Messr. G. and C. Carvill in 1827, served as “booster” literature to a population eager to prove its superiority.

Source: Longworth’s American Almanac, 1827.

By 1827 booksellers and publishing houses congregated in lower Manhattan, where G. and C. Carvill resided. According to New York City directories, they remained at 108 Broadway until 1844 when they moved to 86 Cedar Street, remaining there until the mid 1850s.The publishing industry developed in New York City after the Revolutionary War, but most of the earlier books printed here were still British titles. Nationalism fueled the publishing industry and authors and publishers retained bragging rights when it came to praising the city in either the periodical press or in books.

By the early 19th century New York City had surpassed both Boston and Philadelphia as the nation’s most prolific and important publishing centers.

Sketch of the Resources of the City of New-York with a View of its Municipal Government, Population, &c, 1827

Statistics from the US Treasury illustrating the “importance of New-York as a commercial emporium.”

Bibliography

• Andrews, William Loring. The Old Booksellers of New York and Other Papers. New York, 1895. Internet Library.
• Dix, John A. 1827. Sketch of the resources of the city of New York. With a view of its municipal government, population, &c. &c. from the foundation of the city to the date of the latest statistical accounts. New York: G. & C. Carvill.
• LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC. (1827, Aug 03). Christian Advocate and Journal (1827-1828), 1, 191. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/126033041?accountid=8500.
• Longworth’s American Almanac, New York Register & City Directory, for the Fifty-Second Year of American Independence: Containing An Almanac for the Fifty-Second Year of American Independence; a List of All the Banks & Insurance Companies & Chart. 1827, p115-155. 41p.
• Pomerantz, Sidney. New York, an American City. 1783-1803: a study of urban life. Port Washington, New York: I.J. Friedman, 1965.