NYC's Eastern Manifest Destiny

Before the Long Island Expressway, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and even the incorporated five boroughs we know today, there was the Long Island Railroad.

Founded back in 1834 by a group of private investors, the LIRR was the first commuter rail system to take people from New York to Boston via a ferry from Greenport, L.I.

And according to Don Fisher, president of the Rail Museum of Long Island, the railway was one of the key driving forces behind the development of Queens and Long Island. "We are what we are, and where we are today, because the Long Island Railroad made it possible," Fisher said. 

But despite the enormous influence the LIRR has had on history, most rail commuters today know very little about an institution which has grown to become such an integral part of their daily routine.

"It's absolutely incredible," said Kelly McGuiness of the Westmoreland section of Little Neck, upon learning a brief history of the LIRR while waiting for the train Tuesday morning. "Guess I've never really given it much thought though."

McGuiness wasn't the only one surprised to discover the history behind their everyday routine.

"To be honest I know very little about the Long Island Railroad except that they're planning to  again," said Sam Mendelbaum, commuting into Manhattan Tuesday. "It's really always just been the way I get to work everyday."

However, even in changing times, Mendelbaum's reliance on rail travel is one echoed through the ages.

"There was a time when everything in the United States moved by rail," Fisher said. "Still the rail system while opening the United States up to travel has been taken for granted. But it's truly an important part of Americana."

Indeed, fortunes were made by the late train barons of the 18th and 19th centuries.

"Gigantic swaths of land, including Little Neck, were developed only as a result of the railroad the Long Island Railroad company built," said David Morrison, rail historian for the Port Washington line. "It connected the hamlet of Port Washington to the city, and opened the gold coast up to all sorts of commerce not known to the area prior."

And Morrison was also quick to point out that while the Port Washington line might be the newest, the Little Neck station house currently is among the oldest in New York City today.

"I find that fascinating," Morrison said. "The original building that was put up in 1890 still stands today as it did then ... well, almost — in 1913, the Port Washington line was electrified and the building connected to power."

For rail enthusiasts, the history of America's railroads is but a dwindling memory — a fact they'd like to see change.

"We'd love more people come out and visit us at the Rail Museums in Greenport and Riverhead to learn about this all but forgotten history," Fisher said. "Because it's fascinating and an integral thread in the fabric of Long Island." 

If rail history is not of interest to residents, Fisher would still like to them to visit the museum and partake in the many games and exhibits on offer.

"This summer, people will actually be able to sit in a rail simulator and drive the train all the way from Riverhead to Greenport, which is a lot of fun," Fisher said. "Hope to see you there."

The Railroad Museum of Long Island has two sites, at 416 Griffing Ave. in Riverhead and in Greenport near the LIRR station. Admission is $5 for adults and children 13 and over, $3 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5  are free. More more info, visit http://www.rmli.us.