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The number of buildings in the city is from 60,000 to…

“The number of buildings in the city is from 60,000 to 70,000. In 1860, out of 161,000 families only 15,000 occupied entire houses. Nine thousand one hundred and twenty dwellings contained two families each, and 6100 contained three families each. After these come the tenement houses. At present…” quote by James Dabney McCabe
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““The number of buildings in the city is from 60,000 to 70,000.  In 1860, out of 161,000 families only 15,000 occupied entire houses.  Nine thousand one hundred and twenty dwellings contained two families each, and 6100 contained three families each.  After these come the tenement houses.  At present, the number of houses occupied by more than one family is even larger.””

James Dabney McCabe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage details overcrowding in 19th‑century urban housing, showing many families sharing limited dwellings and the rise of tenements.

In simple terms: Many families lived together in cramped city homes.

Key Takeaway

Recognize historic housing challenges.

Themes

urbanization housing history poverty tenements

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

historical sociological

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • social policy
  • historical research

Key Concepts

crowding family structure urban development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did tenements affect family life?
  • What policies could have reduced overcrowding?
A Different Perspective

Data may be outdated for modern contexts.

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