Vintage Photograph Shows a Group of New Yorkers Watching the 3rd Avenue El Torn Down, 1955

Watching the Deconstruction of Third Avenue El, 1955
Watching the Deconstruction of Third Avenue El, 1955
Photo: Vivian Cherry

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 fro anybody wishing to go from the Southern tip of Manhattan, down Bowery and Third Avenue, and up into 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.

Watching the Deconstruction of Third Avenue El is a great vintage photograph captured in 1955 by photographer Vivian Cherry that shows a group of New Yorkers standing on the sidewalk, looking up at the "El" being torn down.

via MoMA

Matt Coneybeare

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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