Maybe because I am sick of New York City and Osama Bin Laden having to be mentioned in the same sentence, I have come across some news bits of interest to those who appreciate the rail/maritime history of New York. And for everyone who has not had the pleasure of being in Manhattan since 9/11, these are nice reminders that life in the great city does go on.

Visit http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/ to find out what preservation projects are planned for the Hudson River side of Manhattan from Clinton, south. Many of the piers mentioned were once in railroad service. Unfortunately, all the of the ornate railroad ferry terminals are gone. Most were downtown where the landfill was built west of the World Trade Center site.

Rail buffs will enjoy the news that “The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Float Transfer Bridge (Pier 66a), just north of Pier 64, was an active railway transfer point from 1954 to 1973, linking the river with the B&O Warehouse on Eleventh Avenue and 26th Street. The float bridge was constructed with a wooden Howe truss (patented in 1840) to handle the twisting stresses of transferring railroad cars to barges. It is listed on the State and National Registers of Historical Places. Hudson River Park Trust is currently restoring this structure, which will become a living reminder of the commerce that once dominated life on the Hudson. At Pier 66a, the restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Railroad Float Transfer Bridge will allow 21st Century park visitors to learn how cargo once moved on the river. A small boat launch will also be included here. “

Also of interest is the last Ellis Island ferry, the Yankee, now preserved at Pier 25. Visit http://www.historicferryyankee.com/museum.htm

Rob Davis

superc@monmouth.com

for those who are interested in Rail/Marine operations there is a recent book called "Where Rails Meet the Sea" by Michael Krieger. Lots of photos from my museum's collection in there.

And then there is the TRANSFER a slick paper newsletter edited by John Teichmoeller for the Rail/Marine Information Group Again lots of great photography!
Ted Miles



ted_miles@NPS.gov