New York, beneath the surface
NYC subway in 1956: Subway trains reach the Rockaways
Subway service began over the converted Rockaway railroad on June 28, 1956. The Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue terminal followed in January 1958, so it does not appear in this 1956 view.
Explore the 1956 interactive map →
What this map represents
This year-end reconstruction contains 466 modeled stops across 4 boroughs and about 219 mapped miles. These are counts from this project’s model, not official historical station or track-mile totals. Modern route colors identify corridors, not the services running in 1956.
Selected events, 1949–1956
1955: The Third Avenue El in Manhattan
The remaining Manhattan section closed on May 12. Elevated service on Third Avenue continued in the Bronx.
Source: Wikipedia: IRT Third Avenue Line
1956: The Rockaway conversion
On June 28, subway trains began using the former railroad route to the Rockaways.
Source: Wikipedia: IND Rockaway Line
Sources and interpretation
Historical coverage and geometry are incomplete. Read the reconstruction method and limitations before interpreting station counts or route alignments.