Grand Central Station of New York City, turns 100 today

“…If there is one constant about Grand Central, it is certainly my awe every time I enter the main concourse. I have certainly been there a million times, but I am still always amazed. There is a little part of me that is envious of all the Metro-North employees that are employed in this beautiful building, and see it every day. I’ve taken photos here a million times as well, and I don’t think I am ever pleased with any of them, for they never seem to do the place any justice. Beauty can be found throughout – not just in the concourse or on the front façade. The little details always captivate me, from the stylized GCT monogram, to the little sculptural acorns that can be found all over – a symbol of the Vanderbilt family.…”
~~ iRideTheHarlemLine Blog

Hard to believe, New York City’s most historical landmarks and business train station in the country, Grand Central Station, www.grandcentralterminal.com turns 100 today.

Exactly 100 years ago, the keys to Grand Central were first given to the stationmaster on Feb. 1, 1913.




Formally named Grand Central Terminal (GCT), but popularly called Grand Central Station, is a commuter rail terminal station at 42nd Street and Park Avenue (89 East 42nd St.) in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States.

Built by and named for the New York Central Railroad in the heyday of American long-distance passenger rail travel, GCT is the largest train station in the world by number of platforms, which total 44, and 67 tracks along them.

The tracks are on two levels, both below ground, with 41 tracks on the upper level and 26 on the lower, though the total number of tracks along platforms and in rail yards exceeds 100. The terminal covers an area of 48 acres.

Today will begin the celebration which starts with the West Point Brass and Percussion Band performing the world premiere of “Grand Central Centennial Fanfare.”

Grand Central was once a long-distance train terminal but now serves commuters going to and from New York’s northern suburbs via Metro-North Railroad. A New York City subway station also connects to the building and the complex has dozens of shops and restaurants, including the venerable Oyster Bar.

According to the travel magazine Travel + Leisure in its October 2011 survey, Grand Central Terminal is "the world's number six most visited tourist attraction", bringing in approximately 21,600,000 visitors annually

Several of Grand Central’s businesses will be offering special 1913 deals to celebrate including a 75 cent cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. and a 19 cent slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar.

Celebrations will be planned throughout the year, including a performance by artist Nick Cave on March 25-31 and a parade of historic trains on May 10-12.



Other Resources
► Grand Central Station Wikipedia


All photos courtesy of Wikimedia and screen shots taken from video and websites. All other photos will be credited as required.


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