Elevated railroadIn 1867, the first elevated railroad in the U.S. opened for traffic in New York City. The first half-mile test section was built by Charles T. Harvey on single columns. It ran along the curb line of Greenwich Street, between Battery Place and Dey Street. The cars travelled at speeds up to 15 mph. Although the line was unsuccessful and sold at a sheriff's sale, it was reorganized on 14 Feb 1870, and placed in operation with steam power. The new service was extended north to the New York Central Railroad Passenger station at 29th Street and Ninth Avenue. |