There's so much going on in this incredible aerial photo of Lower Manhattan from 1951. 

-Five years later the first modernist slab skyscraper downtown, Chase Manhattan Plaza (28 Liberty) would be built.

-Years later, more of these skyscrapers on superblocks would replace all the historic buildings along South Street, seen in the bottom right of this photo. 

-South Street is still uncovered and hasn't gotten its viaduct (or tunnel under Battery Park) but the new Battery Tunnel (without the Battery Garage) is visible on the left. 

-So many piers along the Hudson! 

-The Singer Building and Produce Exchange have yet to be demolished.