Book description
From an acclaimed author and a New York Times Best Illustrated artist comes the fascinating, little-known—and true!—story of New York City’s first subway.
New York City in the 1860s was a mess: crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone…
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Secret Subway as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I’ve found my youngest two (ages 7 and 11) seem much more invested in books when they learn the story is true, so The Secret Subway was a hit with my girls.
This book uncovers the little-known story of Alfred Eli Beach and his secret attempt at an underground railway, right under the feet of unsuspecting New Yorkers! What a fantastic book that deserves re-reads (and if you’re a curious adult like myself, some internet research to read more about the tale!!)
There is history quite literally buried beneath the concrete of New York City. This book tells the almost-forgotten story of the city’s first underground train, built before the subway system as we know it today was constructed. Alfred Ely Beach managed to secretly dig an underground tunnel and use a fan-powered pneumatic tube to move people back and forth on a train car. Though his invention quickly came to an end— likely due to complicated city politics— it remains a fascinating reminder that there is often a story behind the story and that new technology evolves from the ideas of…
From Jennifer's list on nonfiction about New York City.
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