On this day: The first train on Chicago’s ‘L’
Friday, 6th June 2014 by Ian Brown
On June 6, 1892, the first section of Chicago's iconic 'L' (elevated) transit system opened. The Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad had been constructed along an alley stretching 5.8km (3.6miles) from Van Buren St to 37th St. Thirty passengers travelled in 4 wooden cars pulled by a steam locomotive. The track is still in use today - by electric trains - though now it is just a small part of a much larger system - the third busiest in the country.
About the author
Ian Brown lives in Ottawa, Canada, and spends his spare time perusing maps to find new routes to ride on his orange bicycle.
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