1899 Detroit, in color

The Detroit News
These colorized photos are from the booklet, "Detroit the Beautiful - Phostint Views of Picturesque Detroit, the Convention City," published in 1899 by the Photochrom Co. of Detroit. This is the Grand Canal on Belle Isle.
These colorized photos are from the booklet, "Detroit the Beautiful - Phostint Views of Picturesque Detroit, the Convention City," published in 1899 by the Photochrom Co. of Detroit. This is the Grand Canal on Belle Isle.
Public Domain
The fish pond is shown on Belle Isle.
The fish pond is shown on Belle Isle.
Public Domain
The Belle Isle Club House
The Belle Isle Club House
Public Domain
The 1899 view of Campus Martius was dominated by Detroit's old City Hall, facing Woodward Avenue. It was dedicated in 1871 and stood until 1961. The Majestic Building at right was demolished in 1962.
The 1899 view of Campus Martius was dominated by Detroit's old City Hall, facing Woodward Avenue. It was dedicated in 1871 and stood until 1961. The Majestic Building at right was demolished in 1962.
Public Domain
The original Central High School burned to the ground in 1893, but a new Central High was constructed three years later at 4841 Cass Avenue. In 1926 the building was given to the College of the City of Detroit and was renamed the Main Building. By 1956 the college was  Wayne State University and the building, which still stands, became known as Old Main.
The original Central High School burned to the ground in 1893, but a new Central High was constructed three years later at 4841 Cass Avenue. In 1926 the building was given to the College of the City of Detroit and was renamed the Main Building. By 1956 the college was Wayne State University and the building, which still stands, became known as Old Main.
Public Domain
The Detroit Riverfront at Woodward Avenue is populated by steamships.
The Detroit Riverfront at Woodward Avenue is populated by steamships.
Public Domain
The Detroit riverfront, east of Woodward Avenue, is shown. Edson, Moore & Co., center, was a dry goods wholesaler that survived until 1944.
The Detroit riverfront, east of Woodward Avenue, is shown. Edson, Moore & Co., center, was a dry goods wholesaler that survived until 1944.
Public Domain
Hurlbut Gate, at the entryway to Water Works Park, still stands at East Jefferson and Cadillac Boulevard.  It was built in 1894 and restored in 2007. The monument was named for a former president of the Board of Water Commissioners, Chauncey Hurlbut.
Hurlbut Gate, at the entryway to Water Works Park, still stands at East Jefferson and Cadillac Boulevard. It was built in 1894 and restored in 2007. The monument was named for a former president of the Board of Water Commissioners, Chauncey Hurlbut.
Public Domain
Water Works Park is the site of Detroit's water treatment plant, in continuous use since 1879. The 185-foot water tower was the world’s second tallest man-made structure prior to the Eiffel Tower. In 1945, it was deemed unsafe and demolished.
Water Works Park is the site of Detroit's water treatment plant, in continuous use since 1879. The 185-foot water tower was the world’s second tallest man-made structure prior to the Eiffel Tower. In 1945, it was deemed unsafe and demolished.
Public Domain
Grand Circus Park in 1899 had none of the monuments, hotels or office buildings that would later characterize this urban park.
Grand Circus Park in 1899 had none of the monuments, hotels or office buildings that would later characterize this urban park.
Public Domain
This was the original Masonic Temple in Detroit, on Lafayette at First. It was built in 1896, but before long the Masonic Temple Association outgrew the building. Groundbreaking was held in 1920 for the large temple and theater complex on Temple Avenue that are still used today.
This was the original Masonic Temple in Detroit, on Lafayette at First. It was built in 1896, but before long the Masonic Temple Association outgrew the building. Groundbreaking was held in 1920 for the large temple and theater complex on Temple Avenue that are still used today.
Public Domain
Fort Street Presbyterian Church, built in 1855 and rebuilt in 1876, still stands tall at Fort and Third.
Fort Street Presbyterian Church, built in 1855 and rebuilt in 1876, still stands tall at Fort and Third.
Public Domain
This was described simply as a "residence street" in the 1899 Detroit booklet. At the time, Detroit was a city of about 285,000.
This was described simply as a "residence street" in the 1899 Detroit booklet. At the time, Detroit was a city of about 285,000.
Public Domain
The Log Cabin at Palmer Park was constructed in 1887 by Sen. Thomas Palmer as a rustic, nostalgic retreat for his family. In 1893, the cabin and 140 acres were donated to the city to be used as a public park, named Palmer Park.  The Log Cabin, with its old-time furnishings, became a tourist attraction. It closed in 1979.
The Log Cabin at Palmer Park was constructed in 1887 by Sen. Thomas Palmer as a rustic, nostalgic retreat for his family. In 1893, the cabin and 140 acres were donated to the city to be used as a public park, named Palmer Park. The Log Cabin, with its old-time furnishings, became a tourist attraction. It closed in 1979.
Public Domain
Lake Frances at Palmer Park -- named for Sen. Palmer's mother-in-law -- is a man-made lake.
Lake Frances at Palmer Park -- named for Sen. Palmer's mother-in-law -- is a man-made lake.
Public Domain