This Day in Railroad History

July 16

1856
170th anniversary
OpeningPA

Panama Railway Opens

Panama Railway

Panama City

The first trans-isthmian railroad linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans begins regular service.

1900
126 years ago
OpeningFrance

Paris Métro Line 1 opens

Compagnie du chemin de fer métropolitain de Paris

Paris

The first line of the Paris Métro began service between Porte de Vincennes and Porte Maillot, revolutionizing urban transit in France.

1853
173 years ago
OpeningUnited States

Erie Railroad reaches Dunkirk

Erie Railroad

Dunkirk, New York

The Erie Railroad completed its main line to Lake Erie at Dunkirk, New York, becoming the first long-distance railroad in the United States.

1839
187 years ago
OpeningCU

First Cuban Railroad Opens

Ferrocarril de La Habana

Havana

Cuba's first railway line opened between Havana and Bejucal, marking the start of rail service in the Caribbean.

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