IT’S HISTORY

Discover the intriguing story of New York's Lost Highline, exploring the rich history of railroads in the city, the dangers of street-level trains, and the transformative removal of those tracks. Witness the decline of train transportation and the activism surrounding New York’s High Line, which ultimately led to an order for its demolition. Experience the remarkable journey of rezoning the High L...

Serving millions of New Yorkers every day, the New York City subway system has significantly impacted the city’s reputation as a transportation hub. This video explores the history of NYC’s mass transportation systems, covering key topics such as: - The evolution of public transportation in New York City - The first forms of mass transit in the 19th century - The sanitation crisis faced by New Yor...

The history of Atlanta's abandoned underground reveals a story of urban evolution and economic change. Originally built in the 1920s as a network of underground streets and storefronts, it served as the commercial heart of the city. However, the emergence of suburban shopping malls in the mid-20th century caused its decline, leading to large-scale abandonment by the 1970s. In the 1980s, entreprene...

Tunnel. One of the longest underwater vehicular tunnels in the world, designed by Clifford M. Holland, the Holland Tunnel serves New York and New Jersey. This video explores its engineering, particularly the unique ventilation system, and details significant aspects of its history, construction, and impact. Chapters: Exploring the Holland Tunnel: 00:00 How did people travel from Manhattan to New J...

Explore the journey of U.S. Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway, established in 1926. This historic route, though largely decommissioned since 1985, remains a treasure trove of preserved memorabilia and weird attractions from Chicago to Los Angeles. Learn about the dirt roads traveled by pioneers, the railroads that followed, and the rise of the automobile leading to America’s first al...

The History of Chicago's waterworks highlights significant human engineering feats, including the intricate tunnels under Lake Michigan, the creation of artificial islands known as water cribs, the elevation of the city, and the reversal of the Chicago River. Key topics covered include the monumental deep tunnel project and its implications on Chicago’s water infrastructure. **Chapters:** 01:00 -...

Discover the story of New York's lost trolley network and uncover a great American crime in this episode of "Tales of Urban Decay" with host Ryan Socash. This video presents a weekly exploration of American urban decay, showcasing historical contexts and intriguing narratives surrounding the decline of urban infrastructure. Some media elements are used under the fair use provisions of U.S. copyrig...

Discover the history of One Times Square, located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. This iconic landmark is renowned for its annual New Year's Eve ball drop, drawing over a million spectators each year. The video delves into the evolution of One Times Square and its transformation into one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. #TimesSquare #NewYor...

The Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, New York, has a complex history reflecting urban transformation in America. Originally a peaceful tidal inlet, it was dredged in the 19th century to serve as an industrial waterway supporting Brooklyn's commercial growth. The canal played a crucial role in the area's industrialization, serving various sectors including shipping and manufacturing. However, rapid devel...

The Willis Tower (originally the Sears Tower) is a 108-story skyscraper in Chicago, designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan. Opened in 1973, it was the world's tallest building for nearly 25 years and is currently the third tallest in the Western Hemisphere. The structure attracts over 1.7 million visitors annually to its Skydeck observation deck, the highest in the Unit...

The Seven Mile Bridge, part of the 110-mile Ocean Highway, connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. This engineering marvel was once the longest continuous concrete bridge in the world. The original structure, the "Old Seven," was built with precast concrete and steel girders to adapt to local conditions but sustained significant damage from hurricanes, storms, and saltwater. This led to the con...

Once one of the nation’s premier resorts, the Salton Sea welcomed millions of guests to its idyllic shores each year. Today, it has been reduced to a barren, toxic wasteland, growing saltier yearly. This video uncovers the story of the Salton Sea and explores whether there is still hope to save it. Chapters: 00:59 – The History of the Salton Basin 02:07 – What is the Salton Sea? 03:15 - How did th...

Why The Longest Bridge in The World was Destroyed (and rebuilt) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why the Eiffel Tower has a Secret Apartment on Top Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beneath the streets of New York City lies a 27-mile pneumatic mail network that once transported 100,000 letters a day using air pressure. Operational from 1897 to 1953, this system shot steel canisters through underground tubes at speeds of 35 miles per hour, linking 23 post offices across Manhattan and Brooklyn. In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of New York’s pneumatic mail system, d...

On March 12, 1928, the collapse of California's St. Francis Dam tragically highlighted the devastating consequences of engineering failures. The disaster released billions of gallons of water into the Santa Clara River Valley, claiming over 400 lives and causing significant property and infrastructure damage downstream. This event revealed critical flaws in dam design and construction, underscorin...

Explore the fascinating history of the USS Silversides, a World War II-era submarine now resting in Muskegon, Michigan. This legendary vessel is recognized as one of the most successful submarines of WWII, with over 23 confirmed sinkings. Today, it serves as a museum, allowing visitors to experience life aboard the submarine and learn about its preservation and significance in naval history. #USSS...

Pruitt-Igoe was a public housing complex in St. Louis, Missouri, built in the 1950s as part of a post-World War II urban renewal initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income families. Designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, the project included 33 high-rise buildings and was initially praised for its modernist design. However, by the 1970s, it faced significant challenges such as...

The Lake Michigan Triangle has captivated imaginations with tales of disappearing ships, missing planes, and strange phenomena. This area has been the site of numerous mysteries, including the lost ship Le Griffon in 1679 and the disappearance of Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 2501 in 1950. In this episode, we explore the truth behind the Lake Michigan Triangle, examining historical, geological,...

Deep beneath the city of Rzeszów, Poland, lies the Marysieńka Shelter, a Cold War relic designed to protect against nuclear fallout. This episode of It's History explores the shelter's eerie corridors and abandoned rooms, focusing on its construction, architecture, survival provisions, and the Cold War technology left behind. Discover the secrets beneath Rzeszów and the reasons this place has been...

At the edge of the Pacific Northwest lies the Columbia Bar, one of the deadliest stretches of water in North America, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This region has claimed over 2,000 vessels due to unpredictable sandbars, deadly tides, and violent storms, earning it the title "Graveyard of the Pacific." In this episode, we explore the harrowing history of this infamous region,...

In the heart of Maricopa County, Arizona, Towers Jail was originally built in 1982 as a temporary solution for overcrowding. Designed for pretrial detainees, it has faced issues such as outdated infrastructure, extreme heat, and overcrowding. Critics highlight its role in showcasing the failures of Arizona’s justice system, while supporters emphasize its continued necessity. With deteriorating liv...

Explore Cadillac Ranch, an iconic Route 66 landmark featuring a half-buried fleet of classic Cadillacs. Installed in 1974 by artists and funded by a Texas millionaire, this site has become a symbol of roadside Americana. Discover the history of Cadillac Ranch, its cultural significance, and why it continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. #Route66 #CadillacRanch #Americana Learn more a...

Picher, Oklahoma, established in 1913, was a thriving mining town known for its zinc and lead production. At its peak in the 1920s, Picher boasted a population of around 5,000, alongside various businesses and amenities. However, as mining operations declined and environmental issues arose, the town faced significant challenges, leading to a decrease in residents and its official dissolution in 20...

At one point in American history, circus trains transported everything from elephants to performers, transforming empty lots into vibrant hubs overnight. This episode delves into the fascinating history and operational mechanics of circus trains, exploring their epic scale and the factors that led to the decline of this spectacle. Were these the real-life Snowpiercers of showbiz? #CircusTrains #Am...