IRT Interborough Rapid Transit / The New York City Subway: Its Design and Construction

IRT Interborough Rapid Transit / The New York City Subway: Its Design and ConstructionOn October 27, 1904, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company opened the first subway in New York City. Running between City Hall and 145th Street at Broadway, the line was greeted with enthusiasm and, in some circles, trepidation. Created under the supervision of Chief Engineer S. L. F. Deyo, the arrival of the IRT foreshadowed the end of the elevated transit era on the island of Manhattan. The subway proved such a success that the IRT Co. soon

On October 27, 1904, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company opened the first subway in New York City. Running between City Hall and 145th Street at Broadway, the line was greeted with enthusiasm and, in some circles, trepidation. Created under the supervision of Chief Engineer S.L.F. Deyo, the arrival of the IRT foreshadowed the end of the ÒelevatedÓ transit era on the island of Manhattan. The subway proved such
a success that the IRT Co. soon achieved a monopoly on New York public transit. In 1940 the IRT and its rival the BMT were taken over by the
City of New York. Today, the IRT subway lines still exist, primarily in Manhattan where they are operated as the ÒA DivisionÓ of the subway.
Reprinted here is a special book created by
the IRT, recounting the design and construction
of the fledgling subway system. Originally
created in 1904, it presents the IRT story
with a flourish, and with numerous fascinating
illustrations and rare photographs.