New York Subway Groundbreaking

June 24, 1902, saw the ceremonial groundbreaking for New York City's Interborough Rapid Transit subway at City Hall. Overseen by Mayor Seth Low and Chief Engineer William Barclay Parsons, the project tackled immense challenges like tunneling under Manhattan's dense streets using shield methods and cast-iron tubes. The line opened in 1904 with innovative electric multiple-unit trains, transforming daily commutes for millions. This engineering feat influenced global subway designs and remains a cornerstone for railfans interested in early 20th-century urban rail innovation and electrification.