New York Subway System Begins Service

September 9, 1904 saw the ceremonial opening of the IRT's first subway line from City Hall to 145th Street in Manhattan. Designed by chief engineer William Barclay Parsons with deep-bore tunnels and elegant stations featuring Guastavino tilework, the system used 450-volt third-rail power and steel cars built by the Jewett Car Company. Mayor George B. McClellan operated the inaugural train. The subway alleviated street congestion from elevated lines and horse-drawn traffic, setting standards for rapid transit worldwide. Its engineering solutions to Manhattan's bedrock and water table challenges remain influential for model railroaders recreating early 20th-century urban scenes.