“..visitors could ascend to the top but thats long been closed to the public”

Because we know whats best for you

Most underground NYC subway stations indeed are boxy. But a few—like the High Street//Brooklyn Bridge and Fulton Street stations o the A/C line—are tube-shaped. My guess is that they are extensions of the tunnel under the (misnamed) East River: High Street is on the Brooklyn side and Fulton is in Manhattan.

Interestingly, most Paris Metro stations are “tubes.” I wonder if it has to do with the fact that it’s a slightly older system. When the first of the current NYC subway was built, the “cut and cover” method—as opposed to burrowing into the ground—was new.

I rode the Newark subway years ago. It was pretty cool: more like a subterranean trolley, with cars like those of the old Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. than the NYC subway or PATH. If the system is still running, I would think those cars have been replaced.

I remember seeing the graffiti on the monument in Washington Park, both in person and in Spike Lee’s film.

One reason why so many monuments fall into disrepair is that few, if any, descendants of “the fallen” (Oh, how I hate that euphemism!) live in or near the sites of those monuments.

I believe veterans and monuments to them deserve more than tbe “Thank you for your service “ b.s. because I am (mostly) anti-war. The best way to honor veterans—apart from ensuring they never want for anything—is not to make more of them.

In reply to chris.

That should be melted metal, just a typo.

In reply to kathleentreat.

Yes, as I researched and wrote this post I kept thinking of Andersonville. Horrible.

In reply to Kim Dramer.

Thanks for that info, Kim. The restoration is beautiful and credit needs to be given to those who spearheaded the project.

In reply to andrewalpern.

Ah yes, I’ve seen it! This post has a photo and more details about the transition from sugar warehouse to prison:

In reply to Larry Gertner.

That’s a great question! I know the remains of the martyrs were removed, but it’s possible some remnants still exist. Perhaps the Brooklyn Historical Society knows? Or a DUMBO preservation group?

In reply to seanglenn47.

Most New Yorkers don’t believe this but Newark is actually an amazing city for urban exploration. The Ironbound neighborhood is nearby for Portuguese restaurants, and the city used to (still does?) have its own underground subway. The PATH gets you there right in the center of the city. I keep meaning to get back there!

In reply to Kim Dramer.

I remember when the monument was covered in graffiti as far up as my little eyes could see. That’s the way it’s featured in the Spike Lee’s movie She’s Gotta Have It