America’s Lost Funeral Trains | The Forgotten Tradition

In this video, we explore the fascinating history of San Francisco's Lost City Hall, a stunning Beaux-Arts structure that once served as the city's government hub. Completed in 1899, this architectural gem boasted a magnificent dome, even taller than the U.S. Capitol. However, the 1906 earthquake brought devastation, leading to its tragic collapse amidst the chaos of fires and destruction. Join us as we delve into the significance of this grand building, the impact of its loss on the city's governance, and the resilience that led to the construction of a new City Hall in 1915. Discover how this lost landmark continues to shape San Francisco's identity and serves as a poignant reminder of the city's tumultuous past.

21 Syys 202413min

Rochester's abandoned subway, once part of the Erie Canal bed, was constructed in the 1920s as a solution to alleviate traffic congestion and revitalize the city's transportation system. Officially opened in 1927, it spanned nearly 7 miles and served as a hub for streetcars and freight. However, as the popularity of cars and buses grew in the mid-20th century, ridership plummeted, and by 1956, the subway ceased operations entirely. Today, its forgotten tunnels remain a haunting reminder of the city’s ambitious but short-lived transit project, with sections now serving as an urban canvas for graffiti artists and a symbol of Rochester’s hidden history.

18 Syys 20249min

In January 1969, a dramatic incident occurred when three Penn Central locomotives derailed and blocked the northbound lane of the Southeast Expressway in South Boston. The locomotives, part of a freight train, were traveling on a bridge over the highway when the tracks gave way due to poor maintenance and the bridge's deterioration. The engines fell onto the highway, disrupting traffic and causing a major scene. The Penn Central Railroad, which had formed only a year earlier from the merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central, was already struggling financially and operationally, and the derailment highlighted the infrastructure issues plaguing the company. The incident underscored broader challenges in the rail industry at the time, contributing to Penn Central's eventual bankruptcy in 1970.

14 Syys 202410min

Malbork Castle, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, is the largest castle in the world by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally constructed as a fortress for the Knights, it grew into a grand medieval stronghold, becoming the center of power for the Teutonic Order. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed sieges, royal ownership, and significant battles. One fascinating yet often overlooked feature of Malbork Castle is its innovative medieval heating system, known as a hypocaust. This system used a network of stone chambers beneath the floors to circulate hot air from furnaces, heating key rooms like the Knight's Hall. The hypocaust system, now largely forgotten, highlights the advanced engineering used to ensure comfort within the castle’s vast, stone structure during the harsh winters of Northern Europe.

11 Syys 202414min

The Chrysler Building, designed by William Van Alen and completed in 1930, is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper in New York City, originally commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler as the headquarters for his automobile company. Standing at 1,046 feet, it was briefly the world's tallest building, known for its distinctive stainless steel spire inspired by Chrysler radiator caps. The building housed the Cloud Club, an exclusive dining club for the city's elite, on its 66th to 68th floors, which operated from 1930 until its closure in 1979. The Chrysler Building remains a symbol of 20th-century modernity and architectural innovation.

7 Syys 202412min

Once a vibrant amusement park, Six Flags New Orleans opened as Jazzland in 2000 but struggled financially. Acquired by Six Flags in 2002, it saw some improvements but was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The park was submerged under floodwaters, causing extensive damage. Six Flags opted not to rebuild, leaving the park abandoned. Today, it stands as an eerie reminder of the hurricane's impact and a popular spot for urban explorers.

4 Syys 202415min

The Embarcadero Freeway, officially known as State Route 480, was a double-decked elevated highway in San Francisco constructed in the 1950s as part of a broader plan to develop an extensive freeway network across the city. Running along the waterfront, it connected the Bay Bridge to the northern neighborhoods but was widely criticized for cutting off the city from its historic waterfront and obstructing views. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant damage to the freeway, leading to its closure. Public sentiment, which had increasingly favored preserving the city's waterfront character, led to the decision not to repair but to demolish the freeway in the early 1990s. Its removal transformed the Embarcadero area into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly boulevard, reconnecting the city with its waterfront and sparking significant redevelopment and revitalization.

31 Elo 202412min

Cairo, Illinois, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, has a rich and complex history. Founded in 1818, Cairo was envisioned as a thriving river port due to its strategic location. The city played a crucial role during the Civil War, serving as a key supply and troop transport hub for the Union Army, with General Ulysses S. Grant establishing a command post there. However, despite its early promise, Cairo's prosperity declined in the 20th century, plagued by economic hardships, racial tensions, and population decline. By the late 1900s, the once-bustling city had become a symbol of urban decay, but its historical significance as a pivotal site in American history remains.

28 Elo 202420min