When referencing abandoned places, sometimes it doesn’t get much creepier than a place that sits at a subterranean level. Perhaps it’s the smell, the lack of noise, or the fact that sunlight and air barely have a chance to appear. In Cincinnati, Ohio, an abandoned piece of history capitalizes on the creepy factor. Check out this abandoned subway in Ohio and learn about the history that left it in ruins to this day.

Like any other flourishing city many years ago, Cincinnati, Ohio, decided to join the ranks in building a subway system deep underground.

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Since river trade was what led Cincinnati to become one of the top ten largest cities in the country at that time, a subway system was thought to become a huge help in terms of transportation and overall infrastructure.

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The plan was to build a 16-mile rapid transit rail system to loop around the city, with a cost estimated at around $12 million. This was in 1912.

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Ground officially broke after World War I on Walnut Street, and despite many different delays, the two-mile underground portion of the subway was finished. Due to inflation in the 1920s, the projected budget was wrecked, and the rail loop was drastically reduced in size.

Wikipedia Jonathan Warren - Own work

However, after the stock market crashed and the onslaught of the Great Depression loomed, the project never came to be, despite many proposals being made. Some suggested trolleys run in the tunnels, while others suggested automobile traffic.

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Eventually, the entire plan was thwarted for Cincinnati to have its own subway system under the city. Over the years, proposals were made for a bomb shelter, shopping district, wine cellar, and even another subway.

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While tours of the subway were offered over the years, this has since ceased due to the dangerous conditions. All of the passages are sealed off, and the subway tunnels are only used by Cincinnati Waterworks.

Wikipedia

The abandoned subway system still remains to this day - sitting quietly under the foot traffic of one of America’s most historic river cities.

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What do you think about the abandoned subway in Ohio? Did you know that this existed? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you’re ready to explore more, make sure to take a look at this abandoned places road trip in Ohio.

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Wikipedia Jonathan Warren - Own work

Flickr/Paul Sabelman

Google Local/Huyana Farmer

Wikipedia

Flickr/Han Zheng

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Address: Cincinnati Subway, 2957-2999 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45225, USA