Overview
On Nov. 14, 1832, the New York and Harlem Railroad began carrying passengers in New York City, marking the opening of what is generally considered the first street railroad in the United States. Its first car, the John Mason, was named for one of the railroad’s founders and operated over the company’s newly completed track.
Chartered in 1831, the New York and Harlem pioneered the use of rails for urban passenger transportation. The railroad later became part of the New York Central system, while the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad also operated over portions of the route. Parts of the former New York and Harlem line remain in use by Metro-North Railroad.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Nov. 14, 1832