In 1870, New York City built its first rapid transit system above the streets in Manhattan – a large, steam-powered elevated train system. By 1880, four parallel lines were in service on 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 9th Avenues, adding extended service to the Bronx after 1887. These elevated lines set the stage for today’s subway system and established travel patterns that are still followed today.
Transit historian Andy Sparberg will present a deep dive look into the last Manhattan-Bronx elevated line which followed the length of 3rd Avenue. Its Manhattan sections closed between 1950-1955 and its Bronx section, which spanned 149th Street to Gun Hill Road, remained in service until 1973, closing just 50 years ago.
Please Note: This event will take place online. Upon registration, all participants will receive two emails - one will be a receipt and the other will include a Zoom link with instructions on how to participate. We encourage you to download the Zoom app in advance for the best user experience.
You will have the option to turn on automatic captions for this virtual program. Staff will share instructions for how to do so at the start of the event. Please email access@nytransitmuseum.org for any accessibility-related questions. Please contact programs@nytransitmuseum.org for general inquiries.
By registering for this program, you consent to receive emails from the New York Transit Museum and program partners. You may revoke your consent at any time by using the unsubscribe link found at the bottom of every e-mail. Please Note: Unsubscribed individuals will not receive program reminders and updates, which may include necessary information to participate such as Zoom links and departure locations.