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Description

Photographs of New York City's Metropolitan Elevated Railroad circa 1870

Set of 4 original photographs depicting New York City’s Metropolitan Elevated Railroad in the 1870s, an innovative addition to the city's transportation network and only the second elevated railroad in New York. Built by the Gilbert Elevated Railway (later reorganized as the Metropolitan Elevated Railway), the line opened on June 5, 1878, running from Rector Street to 58th Street. The elevated tracks followed a complex route through Manhattan, eventually linking with the Ninth Avenue Elevated in 1881. This very early elevated train offered faster, more reliable transit compared to horse-drawn buses. Ownership transferred to the Manhattan Railway Company, consolidating Manhattan's elevated rail system into what would become the famous "El." Despite its noisy and disruptive presence, the line marked a key phase in the city's evolution toward modern urban transportation.

The four photographs are as follows:

  • Engine and Cars on the M. E. R. R. 3 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches.
  • N.Y. Elevated R. R. underneath effect, junction of Bowery & 3rd Ave. 3 x 2 3/4 inches.
  • A Station on the Metropolitan, E. R. R. 14th St. and Sixth Avenue. 3 x 2 3/4 inches.
  • Underneath effect in a narrow street. 3 x 2 3/4 inches.

The Manhattan shown in these photographs was a city in transformation, with transportation, commerce, and infrastructure driving a rapid expansion. The images capture New York’s dynamic urban landscape as it prepared for its future as the world’s preeminent metropolis.

Condition Description
4 original albumen photographs, mounted on one side of single gilt-edged card mount. Neat ink caption titles on the mount. Dimensions of mount: 13 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches. See description for individual photo dimensions. Overall condition is excellent.