You’ve checked out the High Line, now learn more about the history of freight in lower Manhattan.

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The Bowery Boys: New York City History: As the High Line expands, return to a world without it

These strange tracks, weaving around and sometimes straight through buildings, were constructed in the 1930s to essentially lift regular freight rails off the street. In the mid-19th century, westside freight trains were allowed to travel into the city, even as ordinances prevented passenger trains from going further than 42nd Street.