What’s Really Under Boston? (The Freight Tunnel Myth)

For decades, rumors have circulated that Boston once operated a hidden freight railway beneath its downtown streets. Stories place abandoned tunnels under Atlantic Avenue, State Street, and the Financial District—allegedly used to move goods directly between the waterfront and commercial basements. The idea has persisted through urban exploration photos, old newspaper clippings, and the city’s reputation for layered infrastructure.

In reality, Boston did seriously study the construction of an underground freight railway in the early twentieth century. Engineers produced route maps, feasibility reports, and cost analyses, but the system was never approved or built. What remains underground today are storm drains, utility corridors, steam tunnels, subway infrastructure, and sub-basement delivery spaces—many of which closely resemble what the freight tunnels were meant to be. In this episode, we examine the original plans, the spaces that still exist, and how legitimate infrastructure gave rise to one of Boston’s most enduring myths.

#BostonHistory #UrbanInfrastructure #HiddenCities

Support the Channel by becoming a member 👉    / @itshistory  

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

   • IT'S HISTORY 🔥 Trending  

» Subscribe:    / @itshistory  
» Listen podcasts: https://ffm.bio/itshistory

» CONTACT
For brands, agencies, and sponsorships: itshistory@thoughtleaders.io
Click here to book a sponsorship with me http://thoughtleaders.io/reserve/its-...

» DISCLAIMER
Some media elements in this video are used under the fair use provisions of U.S. copyright law (Title 17, Section 107) for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. If you believe your image or content was used in a way that violates your rights, please contact us at copyright@videobrothersmusic.pl

» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash
Editor - Karolina Szwata
Host - Ryan Socash


» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.