BETA
Chapter 1
The underground science of steam
Chapter 2
The historic Gilded Age roots
Chapter 3
The iconic orange chimneys and safety
Chapter 4
Global steam and the future
YOUR GOAL
Master of Why New York City streets steam
Ch 2 · The historic Gilded Age roots
artiteacher New York City Steam System
That steam rising up, from the streets of New York, is a Gilded Age network, still making the city work!
artiteacher A historic storm forced New York City to put its utilities underground.
artiteacher Underground steam helped eliminate the soot and chimneys of early skyscrapers.
Fun Fact
First steam day: The NYC steam system officially started operating on March 3, 1882, heating its very first building with steam sent from a central plant.
Glossary
district heating (noun)
A system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location through a network of pipes. The New York Steam Company first implemented this network beneath lower Manhattan on March 3, 1882.
A system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location through a network of pipes. The New York Steam Company first implemented this network beneath lower Manhattan on March 3, 1882.
Quiz
What fuel did New York City buildings primarily burn for heat before the steam system was introduced?
Quiz
In what year did the New York Steam Company first begin commercial operations in Manhattan?
Quiz
In 1954, which company did the New York Steam Company merge with to centralize city utilities?
Quiz
Which major winter weather event in 1888 convinced New York City to move its utilities underground?
Quiz
Where was the massive Kips Bay Station, a historic steam plant built in 1926, located?
Quiz
How did the introduction of underground steam change the architectural design of Manhattan's early skyscrapers?
Quiz
Who was the founder of the New York Steam Company who helped bring the technology to Manhattan?