Birth of the Electricity Grid in Lower Manhattan (Bike Ride)

Janes Walk

ALMOST SOLD OUT

Led By Rich Miller, Retired -- former NYC Energy Policy Chief from 1998-2003 and worked for Con Edison after that

The modern electricity grid began in Lower Manhattan on September 4, 1882 when Thomas Edison started up the first grid based electric system with a power plant located on Pearl Street. This trip/talk will focus on how this happened and its implications for New York City. It will also discuss two other important figures from this time. Nikola Tesla, who had a laboratory at 89 Liberty Street, and JP Morgan who had an Edison electric generator in his house at 35th and Madison Avenue. It will end at 47th and Madison where Tesla gave a famous talk on electricity on May 20, 1891.

Because of the distance, and because Jane Jacobs loved to bike, this will be a bike ride and not a walk.

Accessibility

We will be cycling on city streets. The walk leader is an experienced city cyclist.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Sunday, May 5, 2024
9:00 AM
1 hour

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Environment, History & Culture
Language: English
Map of original two wire by Con Edison, circa 1883. Courtesy of Con Edison. Photo: Dan Taft.