The 3rd Avenue Elevated Train ("El") opened with service in Manhattan in 1878. Over the next 77 years, the 3rd Avenue "El" would provide rapid train transit for anybody wishing to go from the Southern tip of Manhattan, down Bowery and Third Avenue, and up into the Bronx terminus. The "El" lines were eventually replaced with subterranean lines that run the same routes, more-or-less, and the 3rd Avenue "El" was the last one to be dismantled in 1955.
In this one hour vintage film captured in color in the early 1950s, take a narrated tour down most of the line and see a very different Manhattan.
Hosted by the late transit historian Roger Arcara , we take a nostalgic ride up the eastside 3rd Ave. EL in the early to mid 1950's in color.,which by that time was MANHATTAN's last surviving elevated line. Please note this film covers the line north of CHATHAM SQ. which is at the tail end of THE BOWERY, on up to the north Bronx. The section south of CHATHAM SQ was abandon in 1950. and this film covers the years 1953- 1955.
via YouTube
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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