The Secret Tunnels Beneath New York - It's History

It's easy to lose track of the tunnels beneath New York City. Whether it's due to the city's expansion, the events of World War II, or simply falling out of use, there are cavernous mazes of man-made spaces that have been lost and forgotten. Today, I'll present a few stories of the forgotten tunnels of New York City. This is your host, Ryan Socash, and you're watching "It's History."

The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel

In 1844, before Brooklyn was part of New York City, there was a strong desire for fast and reliable methods of traveling to the pier to catch a ferry to Manhattan. The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel, also known as the Cobble Hill Tunnel, was constructed in merely seven months, making it the world's first subway tunnel. It was sealed off and forgotten about, but in 1980, it was rediscovered by Robert Diamond. The tunnel was briefly used for tours before being shut down by the New York City Fire Department.

The Mail Tunnel

The James A. Farley Building, New York City's primary post office, once operated 24/7. It was connected to the Morgan Processing and Distribution Center by a mail tunnel, allowing the flow of mail between the two facilities. However, the tunnel fell into abandonment and despair after the closure of the Farley Building.

The McCarran Park Tunnels

The McCarran Park Pool in Brooklyn, once a major social hub, had an impressive tunnel system beneath it. The tunnels were abandoned for 20 years until the pool was refurbished and reopened in 2012.

The Tunnels of Columbia University

The tunnels beneath Columbia University's Buell Hall have a rich history, from being used for wartime research during World War II to playing a key role in student protests during the Vietnam War. The tunnels remain there to this day, and while many passages are being blocked as time goes on, people continue to explore them.

In conclusion, the forgotten tunnels of New York City are a fascinating part of its history. From forgotten subway tunnels to mail tunnels and tunnels beneath academic institutions, each tunnel has its own unique story. The mystery and allure of these abandoned places have enchanted us, and they continue to be a part of the city's rich history. This is Ryan signing off.