Digital Discussion: Anatomy of a Powerhouse: Electrifying the Els

At the turn of the 20^th century, the construction of the 74^th Street Powerhouse ushered in a new era that enabled the transition from steam locomotives to cleaner electric trains, fundamentally improving conditions in New York City. Before the switch, smoke, cinders and soot from steam-powered elevated trains plagued Manhattan, blackening the air and dirtying the streets. The New York Transit Museum exhibition, Anatomy of a Powerhouse: Powering the Els, highlighted a fascinating series of photographs that revealed the staggering scale of the 74^th Street Powerhouse, offering a rare glimpse into early transit history in New York and the immense power required to move Manhattan’s entire elevated railway system.

Join Collections Manager Desiree Alden-Gonzalez for a digital discussion that showcases the construction and early operations of the 74^th Street Powerhouse with black and white photographs from the Museum’s archival collection and celebrates the massive building and powerful machinery that revolutionized elevated transit in New York City.

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74th Street Powerhouse, 3/6/1902; New York Transit Museum Collection