Hufsa Tasnim – The People of New York with Professor Drabik

Sumaiya Mahin      Hufsa Tasnim
Deborah Yau        Albert Felix

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Transformation of the High Line: 
Before and After

Before the High Line became a locust filled with swarming tourists, it was an on-road railway that ran in the middle of the street alongside cars and pedestrians. Cowboys, similarly to today’s street-crossing signals, waved flags at them to let them know when to cross the street. However, many many casualties arose due to people in a constant rush, thus giving it its nickname “Death Avenue.” After realizing the seriousness of the problem, an elevated railway was constructed, which we know as the High Line.

Death Avenue, with the street-level rail track, being led by a Cowboy. (Photograph by Friends of The High Line)

When the High Line became an elevated railroad system, it entered into warehouses to load and unload cattle, fish, meat, and produce. (Photograph by Friends of the High Line)

The abandoned High Line, overgrown with plants and wildflowers, and soon to be turned into a public park by Friends of The High Line. (Photograph by Friends of the High Line)

The High Line being constructed. (Photograph by Friends of the High Line.)

It facilitated the transportation of products like milk, meat, and raw and manufactured goods. The increase in accessibility and availability of trucks caused a decrease in the use of railways for the transportation of products. What was supposed to only be a one-year lapse in service turned indefinite, and because of the decline in usage, the tracks were effectively abandoned during this year. The last train that ran on the High Line carried frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.

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Author: Hufsa Tasnim

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)The High Line ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)