America’s Lost Funeral Trains | The Forgotten Tradition

Discovering American Heritage Through Tales of Urban Decay.

4 Apr 202415min

The 13th Regiment Armory, a historic landmark designed by architects Rudolph L. Daus and Fay Kellogg, was built between 1892 and 1894 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City. Currently serving as the Pamoja House, a homeless shelter for men managed by Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc., and supervised by the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the armory bears an expansive yet austere design. Noted for its forbidding appearance, it stands as a symbol of strength and community, reflecting the ethos of togetherness encapsulated in its Swahili namesake, "Pamoja."

30 Mars 202413min

When Liberty Island served as a military fort, it played a crucial role in defending the strategic entrance to New York Harbor. Originally known as Bedloe's Island, it was fortified in the early 19th century to safeguard the harbor from potential enemy incursions. The island's strategic location made it an ideal site for military installations, and it housed various defensive structures over the years, including Fort Wood, which was completed in 1811. During its time as a military fort, Fort Wood served as a key defense point during the War of 1812 and later became the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. Its military significance gradually diminished, and by the late 19th century, the island's focus shifted towards becoming a symbol of freedom and democracy, culminating in the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886.

28 Mars 202412min

Plum Island, located off the northeastern coast of Long Island, New York, has a rich history spanning centuries. Originally known as "Isle des Plumes" by early French settlers due to its abundant bird population, it later became a haven for pirates and smugglers during the colonial era. In the 19th century, it was used as a quarantine station for diseased livestock, helping prevent the spread of diseases to mainland farms. During World War II, the island was taken over by the U.S. government and used for military purposes. In 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where research on infectious animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, was conducted. Today, the island remains a site of scientific research, though its future is uncertain amidst discussions of potential closure and redevelopment.

23 Mars 202411min

The history of Atlanta's abandoned underground is a tale of urban evolution and economic transformation. Originally constructed in the 1920s as a network of underground streets and storefronts, it served as the bustling commercial heart of the city's retail district. However, the rise of suburban shopping malls in the mid-20th century led to its decline, and by the 1970s, it had been largely abandoned. In the 1980s, visionary entrepreneurs repurposed this subterranean space into a vibrant entertainment district known as Underground Atlanta, attracting visitors with its unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Despite its initial success, challenges such as crime and changing consumer habits led to its gradual decline once again. Today, while efforts to revitalize the area continue, Atlanta's abandoned underground stands as a testament to the city's ever-changing urban landscape and the ongoing quest for renewal.

21 Mars 202411min

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stands as an iconic feat of engineering, spanning the entrance to New York Harbor and connecting the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn. Designed by Swiss-American engineer Othmar Ammann, who also contributed to the design of the George Washington Bridge, the bridge opened to the public on November 21, 1964. Named after Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the structure held the title of the world's longest suspension bridge until the completion of the Humber Bridge in the United Kingdom in 1981. Its construction required immense effort, with over 12,000 workers laboring tirelessly to complete the project. Today, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge remains a vital transportation artery, facilitating the flow of goods and commuters between Staten Island and the rest of New York City, while also offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and the harbor below.

16 Mars 202417min

The subterranean maze known as the Chicago Pedway System sprang into existence during the 1950s to counter the city's unforgiving winters and burgeoning downtown growth. Originally conceived to interconnect diverse structures within the Loop, its scope gradually expanded, now spanning over five miles of corridors that interlace offices, hotels, retail hubs, and transportation nodes. Throughout the latter part of the 20th century, the Pedway underwent continuous upgrades and extensions to harmonize with the evolving urban milieu. Serving as a vital conduit for both commuters and sightseers, it endures as a prominent component of Chicago's cityscape, seamlessly blending utility with architectural allure.

14 Mars 20249min

The George Washington Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in New York City, has stood as a symbol of engineering marvel and vital transportation link since its completion in 1931. Designed by renowned engineer Othmar H. Ammann, this double-decked suspension bridge spans the Hudson River, connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey, to Washington Heights in Manhattan. Initially named the Hudson River Bridge, it was renamed in honor of the first President of the United States. With its majestic towers rising 604 feet above the water and a main span of 3,500 feet, the George Washington Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening. Over the decades, it has become an essential artery for commuters, carrying millions of vehicles annually between New Jersey and New York. Its significance extends beyond transportation, serving as an emblem of the region's resilience and ingenuity. Today, the George Washington Bridge remains a vital lifeline for the bustling metropolis, embodying the spirit of connectivity and progress.

9 Mars 202425min