In this New York Times video, author and Times writer Sam Roberts talks about some of the secrets of Grand Central, all part of his book entitled Grand Central: How A Train Station Transformed America.

In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks. In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception, amazing history, and the far-reaching cultural effects of the station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters. Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub truly foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country, and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad.

Grand Central: How A Train Station Transformed America is available for purchase on Amazon.

The lost World's Fair Subway line in New York City has a rich yet fleeting history. Constructed for the 1939-1940 World's Fair held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, the line served as a direct route for fairgoers from Manhattan to the fairgrounds. However, its legacy was short-lived, as it ceased operations shortly after the fair's conclusion. Despite efforts to repurpose the line for public transit, logistical challenges and financial constraints led to its abandonment. Today, remnants of this once-prominent subway line linger beneath the city streets, serving as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era of innovation and grandeur.

00:00 Introduction
00:34 The Origins of Broadway
02:58 Broadway Begins
05:54 Ad Break
07:20 Broadway in 1776
10:30 The Bloomingdale Road
14:17 Times Square
16:16 Upper Broadway
19:29 The impact of Broadway