Atlantic Avenue Tunnel
historic place
The Atlantic Avenue Tunnel, located in Kings County, Brooklyn, New York City, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest subway tunnel. Construction began in May 1844 by the Long Island Rail Road, under the direction of Cornelius Vanderbilt. The tunnel was built using the cut-and-cover method, a significant undertaking for its era, primarily by Irish immigrants. It officially opened in December 1844. The tunnel's primary purpose was to move noisy and dangerous steam locomotives off Atlantic Avenue's busy street level, thereby reducing accidents and improving safety for both pedestrians and passenger trains. Measuring approximately half a mile long, 21 feet wide, and 17 feet high, it was a notable engineering achievement. However, in 1861, the tunnel was sealed and largely forgotten after New York City passed an act prohibiting steam locomotives in Brooklyn. It remained hidden for over a century until its rediscovery in 1980 by historian Bob Diamond. This landmarked and protected historic site, officially registered as a Federal and State of New York Landmark since September 7, 1989, represents a foundational example of urban transportation infrastructure.