Washington's First Streetcar Line Opens
Item
Title
Washington's First Streetcar Line Opens
Description
In 1862 the Washington & Georgetown Railroad Company opened Washington, DC's first streetcar line running nine horse-drawn cars on tracks extending from the US Capitol to the State Department. The growth of public transportation was fed by the influx of people into the nation's capital during the Civil War, the development of military depots and equipment, and increased government and residential activity. By 1863, the Washington & Georgetown ran 18 miles of track, and in 1864, reported a nine percent profit and an estimated 7.5 million passengers rode its horse cars. These first cars were segregated; African Americans rode only on front and rear platforms.
Source
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. View original.
Date
05/17/1862
18620517
Coverage
1860-1889
topic
building the mall
commerce & trade
everyday life
ghost mall
neighborhood