Third Avenue Elevated Railroad Station at 23rd Street,
1893
The Third Avenue Elevated Railroad, or “el,” began operation in August 1878,
with steam powered locomotives pulling passenger cars from South Ferry, up the
Bowery and Third Avenue, to 42nd Street. By the end of the year, service was
extended to 129th Street. In 1880, a spur line was completed that ran down 34th
Street to the East River, providing service to the Long Island Railroad ferry
terminal.
