Bryant Park Revealed- Something Wiped out our previous civilization

Here is the clue....
Inscription: WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT / 1794-1878 / YET LET NO EMPTY GUST / OF PASSION FIND AN UTTERANCE IN THY LAY / A BLAST THAT WHIRLS THE DUST / ALONG THE HOWLING STREET AND DIES AWAY / BUT FEELINGS OF CALM POWER AND MIGHTY SWEEP, / LIKE CURRENTS JOURNEYING THROUGH THE / WINDLESS DEEP.
Forbidden Architecture- Who built theses buildings, statues, and city structures without power tools or electric pistol grip Black and Decker drills...