May 13, 1885
Operations officially began for a rapid transit system in what was then the independent city of Brooklyn, New York. This new means of public transportation in Brooklyn was the first elevated railway – a transit system with its tracks above street level and on a viaduct or some other raised structure – to run in that area of present-day New York City. (Brooklyn became a borough of New York City in 1898.)
The Brooklyn Elevated Railroad’s original line coursed from York and Washington Streets in the vicinity of the Brooklyn Bridge to Gates Avenue. The trains on this line were pulled along by steam locomotives. (The accompanying postcard image of the station at Gates Avenue was created around this time.)
The Brooklyn Eagle characterized the railroad’s public debut as “a most marked success.” This newspaper also reported, “The first train of four cars, holding nearly 300 gentlemen, in charge of conductor H.L. Brooks and Engineer Floyd E. Tuthill wound its way from the York street Station to Gates avenue in sixteen minutes, making no stops but without apparent exertion.”
The Brooklyn Eagle also noted, “The train was welcomed almost everywhere on the line. The factory windows along the route blossomed with girls, pretty and otherwise, and the workmen cheered while the girls fluttered handkerchiefs and smiled sweetly on the passengers.”
Seth Low, who had become mayor of Brooklin on New Year’s Day in 1881 and would continue in this position until the end of 1885, was among the dignitaries traveling on that inaugural train. After reaching Gates Avenue station, the train made a return trip to the other end of line. Low and several other invited guests then went to the Brookly Elevated Railway Company’s offices in this part of the city to continue celebrating the launch of the new transit service.
Even though his voice was hoarse that day, Low still took time during those festivities to address his fellow attendees. “My only regret on this occasion is that I have not words at my command to give fit utterance to the feeling of hearty congratulations in all our hearts,” said Low. “But I do say that I congratulate both you and the people of Brooklyn on this day. We have been wanting rapid transit so long that now we have it we can hardly realize the fact that our common desire is at last granted.”
The Brooklyn Elevated Railroad remained in service until 1899. It was replaced by the Brooklyn Union Elevated Railroad, a component of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company.
Image Credit: Public Domain
For more information on the Brooklyn Elevated Railroad, please check out https://findingaids.library.nyu.edu/cbh/arms_1977_120_brooklyn_elevated_railroad/ and https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/meet-the-bu-cars/
Transportation History 
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