New York's Secret Tunnel Societies | Cities Of The Underworld (S2, E9) | Full Episode
HISTORY・2 minutes read
New York's underground reveals a hidden world of mobsters, bootleggers, and secret societies, with the city's intricate network including tunnels, speakeasies, and forgotten subway constructions. From the Sandhogs excavating 500 feet below the surface to the mysterious tunnels of Chinatown and the strategic forts like Fort Totten, New York's subterranean landscape reflects a rich history of innovation and danger.
Insights
- New York City's underground infrastructure, built by various groups like mobsters, Sandhogs, and urban explorers, is a complex network that includes tunnels, speakeasies, and even long-lost subway passages, showcasing the city's hidden history and the diverse roles different communities played in shaping it.
- From the innovative tunneling work of the Sandhogs to the strategic military designs of forts like Fort Totten, New York's underground reveals a rich tapestry of historical events, engineering marvels, and secret societies that have influenced the city's development, highlighting the intricate interplay between urban planning, criminal activities, and military defense within the city's subterranean world.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What is the significance of the Sandhogs in New York?
Sandhogs are specialized workers who have been excavating New York's underground for over a century, contributing to crucial infrastructure projects like the subway, sewers, and tunnels. They work in dangerous conditions, facing risks like rock falls and silica dust, but their efforts are essential for engineering the city's foundations.
How did the 21 Club operate during Prohibition?
The 21 Club, a famous speakeasy in New York, had an ingenious security system during Prohibition, including a hidden wine cellar accessed through a meat skewer lock and a secret door. The club's clientele included movie stars, millionaires, and even the mayor of New York, showcasing its popularity and exclusivity during the era.
What role did Freemasons play in New York's infrastructure?
Freemasons controlled the planning and building of the nation's infrastructure, with key figures like Dewitt Clinton influencing projects like the Erie Canal and New York's board of education. They played crucial roles in ensuring stability and longevity in constructions like the long-lost subway tunnel beneath Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue.
How did Fort Totten contribute to New York's defense?
Fort Totten, strategically positioned to guard Manhattan, was built during the Civil War and evolved to accommodate heavier artillery in World War II. It featured innovative weaponry and design, including an underground weapon system of underwater mines, showcasing its effectiveness in protecting New York's vital waterways.
What historical significance does Chinatown hold in New York?
Chinatown in New York, once a safe haven for Chinese immigrants, turned into a dangerous neighborhood due to gang wars between tongs like On Leong and Hip Sing. These gangs utilized an elaborate underground maze of tunnels for surprise attacks and evading the police, highlighting the violent history and strategic tactics employed in the area.
Related videos
National Geographic
Uncovering the Secrets of New York City (Full Episode) | Drain the Oceans
The Proper People
America's Largest Abandoned Subway - Cincinnati Subway Explored!
Cash Jordan
Three Entire Malls Leave NYC… Over Theft
Daniel Steiner
Map of Manhattan's Broadway, Explained
Dimension 20
Start Spreading the News (Ep. 1) | The Unsleeping City