Stunning Vintage Photos of The Bronx, New York City in 1970

The Bronx’s best days were long gone in 1970. Below are some photos that offer a glimpse into the everyday life of The Bronx in 1970 by Camilo Jose Vergara. According to PJ O’Rourke, this is where dedicated New Yorkers from other boroughs can experience life in the wilderness. And what we see above all else is poverty. New York is a city with a rich history, so how did it fall into such a state of derelict?

In the 1970s, Bronx crime rates were high, similar to those in New York City. Particularly in the South Bronx, urban decay was severe. The borough began experiencing new population growth starting in the late 1990s and continuing to the present day.

#1 Melrose Section, South Bronx, 1970

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#2 South Bronx, 1970 girls

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#3 Bronx, 1970

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#4 Hunts Point, South Bronx, 1970

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#5 Bronx River with #5 line in back, 1970

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#6 Bronx River, 1970

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#7 Bronx Queen and number 6 subway, Bronx River at Westchester Avenue, 1970

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#8 By the Cross Bronx Expressway east, 1970

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#9 Social club sign, South Bronx, 1970

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#10 South Bronx, 1970

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#11 Entrance, abandoned building, 1970

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#12 Hunts Point, 1970

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#13 Mott Haven, South Bronx, 1970

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#14 Store window display, South Bronx, 1970

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#15 Restaurant, Mott Haven, 1970

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#16 Boy, Morrisania, S. Bronx, 1970

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#17 East 172nd St. at Hoe Ave. South Bronx, 1970

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#18 Botanica, Bronx, 1970

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#19 Boy looking up, South Bronx, 1970

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#20 Catholic Priest and homeless man, Bronx, 1970

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#21 Dolls, South Bronx, 1970

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#22 Girls, Bronx, 1970

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#23 65 East 125th St., Harlem 1980

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#24 Cauldwell & Westchester Ave., Bronx, 1970

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#25 Bronx, #2 IRT subway, 1970

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#26 John Lindsey Poster, Bronx, 1970

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#27 Honeywell at 178th Street. S. Bronx, 1970

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#28 Eagle Ave. at Westchester Ave., Bronx, 1970

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#29 The Bronx, 1970

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#30 The Bronx, 1970

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#31 Hoe Avenue at 172nd St., Bronx, 1970

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#32 1148 Longwood Ave, Bronx, 1970

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#33 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, 1970

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#34 The Bronx, 1970

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#35

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#36

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