The New York City Subway turns 105
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On this day in 1904, the New York City Subway opened to the public. The subway is both a must-see attraction for tourists visiting from around the globe and a lifeline for the city that never sleeps. Here’s a bit of background on the events leading up to the subway’s construction, from the Library of Congress:
An underground transportation system for New York City had been proposed as early as 1868. Even then, navigating city streets clogged with pedestrians, horses, wagons and carriages proved dangerous and frustrating. Between 1870 and 1900 many private companies attempted to take on the project, but each time, legal, political, and financial obstacles proved insurmountable. While completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 and the Williamsburg Bridge in 1903 eased traffic moving into Manhattan, congestion within the city remained a problem.
In the fall of 1894, New Yorkers voted overwhelmingly for municipal ownership of the subway system, clearing some of the legal and political hurdles. However, funding and organizing such a tremendous construction project continued to pose a challenge. Finally, financier August Belmont organized the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company, and, in March 1900, ground-breaking ceremonies were held at Borough Hall in Manhattan.
Today, the subway system has 468 stations, 842 miles of track, and carries over 1.45 billion people per year – wow! So the next time you’re in town take a ride on one of the oldest and largest public transportation systems in the world… just be sure to “stand clear of the closing doors”.
This weekend, my 12-year old daughter and her friends are hosting a surprise birthday sleepover for one of their friends whose mother lost her very short battle with lung cancer this past July. Each year, her Mom would have a huge sleepover birthday party for her which all the girls looked forward to. This will be the first birthday she will have without her Mom and it will probably be difficult for her and her Dad and brothers.
