The posted colored Riis picture is of one of the places in the Five Points, at a somewhat later period of time and that's one of the gangs ( Black & Tan ? )which followed those mentioned in the movie. Yes, it is near the Bowery. Even as a tiny child, I knew a little about that area. Ever hear the old song : " THE BOWERY " ? It's about the gangs, etc. and what went on their. I've read a great deal about this area ; it's fascinating stuff. :-)
Sorry to hear about your server. :-(
I don't know WHY Scorses fiddled so with the facts. It didn't make this movie " better ". As to the cast...there aren't any good American actors/actresses anymore. BTW, DD-L REALLY got his nose broken, in one of the filmed fight scenes and went right on fighting. SOME OF THE GORE IS REAL AND NOT MAX FACTOR PANCROMATIC BLOOD #5.
There's a new book out " THE FIVE POINTS ", which I am going to get and read ASAP. :-)
I do need to read up. Right now I'm reading Kitchen Confidential (vulgar but good), Bias (McGowan's book is much better), and Fortunes, Fiddles, and Fried Chicken (a post-bellum history of Nashville Gentry....pretty entertaining since I know a fair number of the descendents).