Dive into the transformative journey of New York City in the nineteenth century with City That Was. This compelling 1911 account by Stephen Smith, a pioneering figure in public health, reveals the monumental public health revolution that not only reshaped New York but also resonates with cities around the globe facing similar sanitary challenges. Smith’s narrative underscores the story of a life-saving social movement—the most significant of the nineteenth century—and its impact on civilization. At the core of this work lies Chapter Four, New York The Unclean, where Smith vividly illustrates the struggles and triumphs of a city on the path to health. Join us as we explore this vital chapter of urban history.