I would like to know where I can find out what the geographical boundary of New York City was through its history, from Dutch days to 1899 (present boundary). I was surprised to find out recently that Harlem did not become part of the city until 1873, when part of the Bronx was also incorporated. What was the pre 1873 boundary?

Okay, one of the best places to look at old maps of NYC is the Library of Congress site, American Memory. There are amazing maps, plus photographs. Also, USGenWeb may have several insightful things on the history of NYC.

Grenwich Village was not yet a part of New York City in 1822.