New York is iconic, and iconic is its subway. An underground rapid transport system that opened in 1904 is now one of the busiest subways in the world. In this article, we will explore the history between the NY Subway and the Financial District, part of Manhattan, one of New York’s five boroughs.
David Kindness, an finance expert on topics of cash advance and finance and part of the team at PaydayBears, is the one who will guide us through this journey.
What Is the Financial District?
Let’s start with some basic information on what we are talking about. The Financial District, abbreviated in FiDi, is located in the area known as Lower Manhattan. Who doesn’t have in mind the picture of tall buildings and skyscrapers next to the East River and Brooklyn River? The FiDi is the world’s principal financial center, hence its popularity worldwide.
If you have heard of the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, the NASDAQ stock exchange, and Wall Street, they are all located in this district. Until the 2001 attacks, the World Trade Center complex governed the skies above the neighborhood.
Actually, the importance of this district goes much more back in history: the City of New York was indeed born in the Financial District, which at the time was the New Amsterdam settlement of the 17th century.
New York City Subway Stations in the Financial District
Here is the list of all subway stations located in the FiDi, divided depending on the lines they are served.
- 1, 2, and 3 trains: Rector Street, World Trade Center Cortland
- 4 and 5 trains: Bowling Green, Wall Street
- 1, N, R, and W trains: South Ferry/Whitehall Street
- 2, 3, A, C, and E trains: Chambers-World Trade Center/Park Place/Cortland Street
- A and C trains: Fulton Street
- J and Z trains: Broad Street
- N, R, and W trains: City Hall, Rector Street
History of the Main FiDi Subway Stations
The history of the Financial District’s stations is long and full of exciting details. Here are some of the most popular stations and a short recap of their stories.
- Rector Street. The station is served by line 1 at all times. It opened in 1918 and underwent drastic changes. Lengthened in the 1960s, it had to go through a significant renovation after the 2011 attacks, which put it out of order for one year as some of its subway tunnels collapsed. For one year, from 2012 to 2013, Rector Street station was also the final station for all 1 trains after the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to South Ferry station.
The story of Rector Street station is very similar to the WTC Courtland station.
- Bowling Green. It opened in 1905 and was intended to extend the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) line to South Ferry. It underwent a complete renovation in the 1970s, when it got a new exit and a side platform, which was added to the two island platforms. One of them has been closed since 1977. The station is famous for its artwork: rotating lightboxes containing pictures by Glen DiCrocco.
- Wall Street. Like the former, this station opened in 1905 and was renovated twice, first in the ‘70s and then in the 2000s. It consists of two side platforms and two tracks, and it was made with tiles and mosaics. The station is registered in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Fulton Street. It is a major subway station complex that comprises four stations, all named Fulton Street: IRT Lexington Avenue Line, IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line, BMT Nassau Street Line, and IND Eighth Avenue Line. They opened, respectively, in 1905, 1918 (as part of the Dual Contracts), in 1931, and 1933. The complex itself opened in 2014. It is the fifth busiest subway station.
In conclusion, the Financial District, located in Lower Manhattan, is not only the heart of New York City’s financial activities but also holds historical significance as the birthplace of the city itself. The district’s subway stations play a crucial role in facilitating transportation for both commuters and visitors. From Rector Street, which underwent renovations after the 2011 attacks and Hurricane Sandy, to Bowling Green, known for its unique artwork, and Wall Street, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, each station carries its own rich history. Additionally, the major subway complex of Fulton Street, consisting of four stations, stands as a bustling hub for commuters and travelers alike. As the subway system continues to evolve, these stations remain integral parts of New York City’s iconic transportation network in the Financial District.