October 24, 2021
On October 27, 1904, the largest underground rail system in America cut its ceremonial ribbon and welcomed commuters to the wonders of the New York City subway.
While the Big Apple’s system lost out to London as the world’s oldest subway system (unveiled in 1863) and Boston as America’s first (1897), New York did go the biggest. The initial line conducted by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) ran 9.1 miles across 28 stations. From City Hall in lower Manhattan to 145th Street and Broadway in Harlem, the New York Subway drastically changed life for New Yorkers and its many visitors.
Going Underground
Prior to the establishment of the IRT, no subway company ever operated in New York City. Instead, elevated commuter trains littered the city, clogging streets and stymieing the development of America’s biggest city. The IRT decided to flip the script and go underground. They touted the project as a beacon of convenience, taking people from “City Hall to Harlem in 15 minutes.”
City Hall’s Shining Station
The City Hall Station, which is no longer open, served as the radiant example of the city’s potential. Lavishly adorned with Guastavino vaulting and a litany of commemorative plaques, the City Hall station served as the centerpiece for the grand opening. The Mayor himself served as the conductor of the inauguration ride.
“Mayor-Motorman”
The IRT even presented him with a silver controller to run the train. The device was also inscribed with the message, “Controller used by the Hon. George B. McClellan, Mayor of New York City, in starting the first train on the Rapid Transit Railroad from the City Hall station, New York, Thursday, Oct. 27, 1904. Presented by the Hon. George B. McClellan by August Belmont, President of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company.”
Subway Excitement
Naturally, the huge opening also saw some minor complications. The Mayor’s fancy controller didn’t fit into the train’s dashboard. As a result the emergency brake lever accidentally activated within the first few minutes. According to the Times, that caused “a violent jolt, a sudden stop,” that forced passengers to be “thrown forward as though the train had struck an obstruction.” Nevertheless, the show went on and the Mayor greatly enjoyed himself. The plan was to let a real conductor take over but when asked if he’d like to hand over the controls the Mayor responded, “No sir! I’m running this train!”
A Public Transportation Frenzy
On that first day, over 100,000 people paid a nickel to take a ride on the train. The hubbub was so intense people waited in line for over two hours to purchase their tickets. The Times detailed their opening day experience, “both the two sections [of the same train] were crowded uncomfortably. Many passengers stood in every car, and the total loads probably aggregated at least 1,100 passengers.”
Historic Firsts
Clearly, the momentous occasion meant becoming the first person to ride the train would go down history. Conflicting stories report that the first ticket was bought by a “middle-aged woman from Brooklyn” or “H.M. Devoe, a Deputy Superintendent in the Board of Education.” What we do know is that Henry Barrett took his first train at 7:02 p.m. and 7:03 reported the first crime on the New York subway system. Apparently, his diamond horseshoe pin with 15 karats suddenly disappeared.
Notable Facts
Three classes of workers made up the manpower to build the subway. Roughly 7,700 of the workers who helped build the paragon of public transportation were unskilled immigrant workers. For roughly $2 a day these workers dug rubble, carried stone, and shifted earth, mostly by hand. The second group of skilled laborers earned an extra $.50 a day. They poured concrete, laid rails, and oversaw the first group. The last group was in charge of the dangerous work, the blasting and excavation of the tunnels themselves. They made a whopping $3.75 and were hired from across the United States and Europe.
Over time the system greatly expanded. The Bronx received subway service in 1905, Brooklyn in 1908, and Queens in 1915. Laid end to end all of New York subway tracks would stretch all the way to Chicago! It’s also the only subway system in the world that runs 24/7, 365. If you’d like to learn more about the history of the New York City Subway or even see the defunct City Hall station, visit the Transit Museum in Brooklyn.