July 11

On July 11, 1848, Waterloo station opened in London as a new terminus featuring impressive train sheds and spacious platforms. Designed by architect William Tite, it accommodated growing passenger traffic from the South West. Over subsequent decades, expansions and modernizations transformed it into one of the world’s busiest stations. Serving millions of commuters and long-distance travelers annually, Waterloo became central to Britain’s railway network. Its Victorian architecture and engineering symbolize the golden age of rail travel. Today, the station remains a vital hub, blending historic grandeur with modern operations.

Engineered by Othmar Ammann, the bridge complex connected Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. The project included multiple spans and a toll plaza designed to improve regional transportation. Officially opened on July 11, 1936, it became a landmark of modern infrastructure. The bridge facilitated commerce, commuting, and urban development across East Harlem, Astoria, and other neighborhoods. Renamed the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in 2008, it still carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily. Its construction showcased New York’s ambition to build large-scale public works during the Great Depression.