Reconstructing The Rocks in the 1900s

These photographs, taken near this location in 1914, show the back-breaking task of manual stone cutting with pick and shovel.

When the New South Wales Government bought all the properties in The Rocks in the early 1900s, one of its first priorities was to straighten out and level the winding and steep roads. In the 19th century Harrington Street was on two levels and was much narrower.

A new set of stone stairs was built soon after this photo was taken to provide pedestrian access to Gloucester and Cumberland streets. To the left, the remains of these stairs can be seen along with evidence of the bedrock that was left after quarrying.