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- First 100 Years
- Part 3: Confluence of Transportation
New Haven is a city of some 12 square miles, yet the essence of its history is captured within a few, short blocks west of downtown. Evidence of New Haven’s birth as a “canal town,” through its maturity as a “transportation town,” can be found along State Street from just inside Moser Park south to Lincoln Highway.
Chapter 1: Wabash and Erie Canal
Chapter 2: Wabash and Nickel Plate Railroads
Chapter 3: Interurban Electric Railway
OF NOTE
New Haven’s heritage of transportation is boldly and proudly presented in murals appearing on the south side of the Ruhl’s Fine Furniture building at Broadway and Summit Streets. [Artist: Kim Linker, also the artist for New Haven’s “First 100 Years” discovery sites.].
Acknowledgement of notable content sources:
New Haven Area Heritage Association files and book: Images of America NEW HAVEN
Commemorative book: New Haven Area Centennial 1866 – 1966
Research files of Hilda (Schnelker) Snyder, 4th Generation New Haven resident (1920 – 2008)
CHAPTERS
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Chapter 1: Wabash & Erie Canal
Discover the path of the Wabash and Erie Canal through New Haven, the types of boats that traveled along it and the activity the Canal generated.
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Chapter 2: Wabash & Nickel Plate Railroads
Discover the storied history of the arrival of railroads in New Haven, transforming the “canal town” into a “transportation town.” Experience the restored 1890 Wabash Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Chapter 3: Interurban Electric Railway
Discover the route the Interurban traveled along its course through New Haven and the benefits the railway afforded residents.
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Chapter 4: The Lincoln Highway
Discover the significance of this first coast-to-coast highway, conceived by an Indiana entrepreneur, and New Haven’s proud participation in its construction through town.
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Chapter 5: Automobiles
Discover how the automobile afforded townspeople greater mobility and flexibility and changed the landscape of New Haven, creating a bustling downtown.
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Return to the Beginning
Take a look at the City of New Haven and our new arts project to celebrate the history of New Haven.
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Locations Map
Find the locations of each Discovery Site throughout New Haven. You can click on any star on the map to be directed to a live, interactive map for the entire area.