History of Fifth Avenue

Before modern traffic lights ruled the roads, Fifth Avenue was home to towering “monsters”—the first generation of NYC traffic signals. Installed in the 1920s to tame the growing chaos of cars, carriages, and pedestrians. They were symbols of a city grappling with the rise of the automobile. Standing tall at key intersections, these signals reflected the era’s elegance. Though long gone, a few remnants survive in photos and museum collections, offering a fascinating glimpse into New York's early efforts to bring order to its bustling streets.