American Experience

Grand Central: Crisis Leads to Opportunity

Following a deadly train crash in 1902, steam locomotives were banned in Manhattan. Grand Central's Chief Engineer William Wilgus pioneered a new technology by harnessing electricity to power the New York Railroad's trains. By using electric trains, he could do away with Grand Central's massive train shed and dig tunnels below ground, cover the train yards, and have an underground station.

Similar Shows

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.