The Cincinnati Subway: History of Rapid Transit

Images of America: Ohio

by Allen J. Singer

Cincinnati emerged from a tumultuous 19th century as a growing metropolis committed to city planning. The most ambitious plan of the early twentieth century, the Cincinnati Subway, was doomed to failure. Construction began in 1920 and ended in 1927 when the money had run out. Today, two miles of empty subway tunnels still lie beneath Cincinnati, waiting to be used. The Cincinnati Subway tells the whole story, from the turbulent times in the 1880s to the ultimate failure of "Cincinnati's White Elephant." Along the way, the reader will learn about what was happening in Cincinnati during the growth of the subway-from the Courthouse Riots in 1884 to life in the Queen City during World War II.

Genres: History, Transport

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2003

Reviews

[Trixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This covers the history of the subway, how it evolved from idea to being built. WWI, II and the great depression played big roles in its ultimate failure, but politics played a much larger role. Reading about Seasongood's maneuverings in trying to kill the subway really brought to mind Cranley's trying to bring down the streetcar. Lots of historical pictures of the city.

[Jimmy Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read. Makes you see Cincinnati roads and transportation in a different way.

[Kruip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very in-depth story on the Cincinnatti subway history. This story is exemplary of all those municipal, provincial, state, or nation funded projects, that either never left the planning table, or did, but just didn't start, did, got constructed, were abandoned. For whatever reason.
The various ideas of the Cincinnatti city planners, I think they might have proven right, correct, nevertheless those plans were surpassed by other developments, throughout society, because of which, subways in Cincinnatti got obsolete before their wheels ever saw one piece of track layed.
The very proposition to emphasize on a Cincinnatti subway system, to get people out of tenements, into suburban homes, also lowered the need for a transit system. Along with the success of the automobile in pre and post war American society. Especially the fact of the availability of 'consumer-auto traffic' is the final blow to Cincinnatti subway transit.
This booklet is out of nice series. Well written, lots of photos, here and there, photo texts interfere or interrupt the main text. It's not that much of a problem, I personally think, it doesn't always look nice. Furthermore, I love this book for its content.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating little book detailing Cincinnati's failed subway project. I knew a little about it going into the book, but this provides loads more background details, from its the system's earliest days to the present. As a plus, this quick and informative read is loaded with photos, maps, plans, and diagrams. But do yourself a favor and pick up a hard copy. The photos are just too small to be of much use in the ebook version. I may or may not speak from experience here. ;)

[Alex Percy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an interesting story about the mysterious tunnels in Cincinnati, and their origins, current use, and future hopes. It did get me interested in looking up more information on the other tunnels from the mid to late 1800's that were used for railroad transit near I-71. I enjoyed to book and added reading on rail and transit I read about subsequently.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, concise history of public transportation in Cincinnati. Photos are excellent and the pacing of the writing really helps readers understand how many roadblocks there have been since the idea of the subway was born.

I'd recommend this book to history buffs, Cincinnati residents, or anybody who's ever heard about the Cincinnati subway and wanted to know its story.

[Katherine]

I've got to order this one...I've wanted to learn about the never-used, abandoned subway tracks (two miles of them) beneath Cincinnati...

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

super informative. lots of pictures.