Episode 100

The Great Manure Crisis: How Horses Nearly Buried New York City in 1900

Discover the fascinating and surprising story behind the Great Manure Crisis of 1900, when New York City faced an unexpected environmental and logistical challenge: an overwhelming surplus of horse manure. This audio briefing explores how the city’s reliance on horses created a mounting crisis, the innovative solutions devised, and why this historical episode offers valuable lessons about urban planning and environmental management. Engage with a quirky chapter of history that reveals how a city’s growth can lead to unexpected hurdles—and creative solutions.

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