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From an acclaimed author and a New York Times Best Illustrated artist comes the fascinating, little-known - and true! - story of New York City's first subway. New York City in the 1860s was a mess: crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone streets. That is, until Alfred Ely Beach had the idea for a fan-powered train that would travel underground. On February 26, 1870, after fifty-eight days of drilling and painting and plastering, Beach unveiled his masterpiece - and throngs of visitors took turns swooshing down the track. The Secret Subway will wow readers, just as Beach's underground train wowed riders over a century ago.A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, 2016