NYC’s First Pneumatic Subway

Manhattan

On February 26, 1870, Alfred Ely Beach unveiled New York City’s first pneumatic subway. Powered by giant fans, the Beach Pneumatic Transit Company propelled cars through a 100-yard tube beneath Broadway, from Warren to Murray Street. The station was painted white and featured a grand piano, fountain, chandeliers, and upholstered lighted cars seating 22 passengers.

 

NY Firsts - Alfred Ely Beach
Alfred Ely Beach

 

NY Firsts - Interior of the Pneumatic Passenger Car
Interior of the Pneumatic Passenger Car. New York Public Library Digital Collections.

 

NY Firsts - New Post Office & Proposed Broadway Underground Railway
“New Post Office & Proposed Broadway Underground Railway.” New York Public Library Digital Collections.

 

NY Firsts - The Beach Pneumatic Transit
The Beach Pneumatic Transit, c. 1873. New-York Historical Society.