I was photographing the Chelsea Hotel last week and turned around to see a New York City Trolley headed down West 23rd Street!

I was instantly nostalgic for my trip to New Orleans, where I discovered the joy of riding the trolley. I can just imagine how exciting it must have been taking the trolley around NYC back in the day. Trolley service began in 1832 on the Bowery and ran until 1957. That’s a pretty good run.

Ride with me on a New Orleans Streetcar! Riding the St. Charles Ave Streetcar

Doing some reading I learned that there is an abandoned trolley terminal underground near the Essex Street station! It served as a station for trolleys crossing the Williamsburg Bridge from 1908-1948. Another item for the wander list.

You can charter a NY Trolley for your big event, or just a great night out. Choose from Ollie or Dolly. See their photos here.

Sources and further reading:
The New York Trolley Company
Village Preservation Blog
Wiki – Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal
Wiki Commons 1847 Map
Columbia – Queensborough Bridge Railway terminal – great photos