Confined Labor in the Tunnels
Clip: Season 26 Episode 5 | 1m 24s
Excavation workers, called “sandhogs,” faced many dangers working in a confined space.
Excavation for the Pennsylvania Railroad's tunnel project was done by hand labor, with workers typically using a spade or pneumatic hammer. Excavation workers, called “sandhogs,” faced many dangers working in a confined space. Equipment was constantly moving in and out along with muck carts full of tons of mud and rock—and there was nowhere to run if things went awry.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Confined Labor in the Tunnels
Clip: Season 26 Episode 5 | 1m 24s
Excavation for the Pennsylvania Railroad's tunnel project was done by hand labor, with workers typically using a spade or pneumatic hammer. Excavation workers, called “sandhogs,” faced many dangers working in a confined space. Equipment was constantly moving in and out along with muck carts full of tons of mud and rock—and there was nowhere to run if things went awry.
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For families that just decades earlier were torn apart by chattel slavery, being photographed together was proof of their resilience.Providing Support for PBS.org
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Compressed air was used to keep the water out of the Pennsylvania RR's Manhattan tunnels. (2m 42s)
Constructing Pennsylvania Station
Two city blocks, or 28 acres, were initially cleared for Penn Station’s construction. (1m 35s)
The Destruction of Penn Station
In 1961 the Pennsylvania Railroad announced it had sold the air rights above Penn Station. (2m 59s)
Measurements showed that the Pennsylvania RR Hudson River tunnels were shifting. (2m 3s)
Inside the MTA's East Side Access Project
An exclusive look at New York MTA's subterranean East Side Access project. (8m 9s)
Mapping Engineering in America
Map history with us! See how engineering has changed America with our new map! (2m 15s)
Behind the scenes at the country's busiest transportation hub - NYC's Penn Station. (3m)
Preliminary Worries with the Pennsylvania Railroad Tunnels
The Pennsylvania Railroad announced they would be tunneling into Manhattan. (2m 6s)
The Rise and Fall of Penn Station, Chapter 1
The engineering feat and architectural achievement that was torn down after just 53 years. (8m 42s)
The Rise and Fall of Penn Station Preview
The engineering feat would last, the architectural masterpiece did not. Premiering Feb 18. (30s)
Tunneling under the Hudson river proved easy, but the East River was becoming a nightmare. (2m 17s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.