Progressive Era (1890-1913) A scene inside the New York subway station in 1905 MPEG Format (31.9 MB) Help With Video Credits New York Subway System Opened for Business October 27, 1904 Finally overcoming legal, political, and financial problems, the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company was formed and started construction on New York City's famous subway in March 1900. You and your family can see the subway in action only seven months after it opened. Watch the 1904 movie made by cameraman G.W. "Billy" Bitzer. page 3 of 3 Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us VIDEO CREDIT: “Interior N.Y. subway, 14th St. to 42nd St.,” 1905. Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress. Call Number FEB 9845.