Broadway and Warren Street, Southwest Corner
Here is something to think about the next time you are traveling underground in a New York City subway.
In 1870 a tunnel 12 feet below Broadway was built. It was only 9 feet in diameter and 312 feet long. The room was furnished with a grand piano, fountain and a goldfish tank. It served as the waiting room and ticket office for New York City’s earliest subway.
Over the next year, four hundred thousand people rode for 25 cents, the proceeds going to charity. Unfortunately, this type of subway system proved too expensive to reproduce. The tunnel was later rented out as a shooting gallery and wine cellar before it was sealed. In 1912 subway workers were astonished to rediscover it.
I have often walked in this area of New York City and I have never heard this story until recently. It is fascinating to learn new things.
What interesting things do you know about your neighborhood?
In 1870 a tunnel 12 feet below Broadway was built. It was only 9 feet in diameter and 312 feet long. The room was furnished with a grand piano, fountain and a goldfish tank. It served as the waiting room and ticket office for New York City’s earliest subway.
Over the next year, four hundred thousand people rode for 25 cents, the proceeds going to charity. Unfortunately, this type of subway system proved too expensive to reproduce. The tunnel was later rented out as a shooting gallery and wine cellar before it was sealed. In 1912 subway workers were astonished to rediscover it.
I have often walked in this area of New York City and I have never heard this story until recently. It is fascinating to learn new things.
What interesting things do you know about your neighborhood?