Abandoned CITY HALL SUBWAY STATION Special Exploration MY HAUNTED DIARY

Paranormal explorer James Edward Garcia during his exploration at the abandoned City Hall Subway Station under City Hall in downtown New York City.
The subway station was built in 1904 and represents some of the most magnificent architecture and tiling I have ever witnessed in a New York City subway station. It is in the same state it was left when it was closed down in 1945. Decay has set in as expected but without any destruction or vandalism by people. A rarity in abandoned structures in the United States. But this is due to the security in place to keep it preserved and protected.
Many have taken the 6 train just to witness this structure at a moment’s glance as it passes through the City Hall Loop. Sometimes the lights are off and it is too dark to see but many are willing too ride it out and take the chance for a possible glimpse at its magnificence.
You will see train occupants and even one train operator jump in surprise as they get a glimpse of me standing in the abandoned station filming the train they are on as it passes through.
I went on two tours that early cold March day. One of which was with a small crew of mostly MTA staff on hand. They were gracious enough to let me do my thing, allowing me to experience, explore, and my wish to hopefully capture something supernatural.
The claims of shadows and apparitions, strange sounds and voices have been experienced by some who have had the privilege to visit the abandoned City Hall Subway Station.
It was said that during the construction of the station 1900 through 1904 workers would hear strange noises and chanting.
I was able to capture several EVPs which I will present. I wish I could have spent the night in the abandoned station alone. I certainly felt its haunted past, transported back to a different era, and an invisible presence around me the whole time I was there.
Keep in mind it was in the teens outside and windy. In the underground subway station, it was a welcome 15 degrees warmer and without the wind.
History
City Hall, also known as City Hall Loop opened on October 27, 1904, this station, located underneath the public area in front of City Hall, was designed to be the showpiece of the new subway. The platform and mezzanine feature Guastavino tile, skylights, colored glass tile work and brass chandeliers.
The station was built on a curve and could only accommodate five-car trains, which proved to be inefficient as subway ridership grew. Passenger service was discontinued on December 31, 1945, although the station is still used as a turning loop for 6 trains.
The official start of construction took place on March 24, 1900, at the front steps of City Hall. After construction was complete, this station was the chosen place for hanging commemorative plaques recognizing the achievement of building the entire New York City Subway system. A mezzanine area above the platform once had an ornamented oak ticket booth which no longer exists.
More than 15,000 people were issued passes for the first series of rides from the platform. At street level, in the pavement in front of City Hall, a plaque can still be seen commemorating groundbreaking for the subway in 1900.
As mentioned before, the station can also be seen by passengers who choose to keep riding the 6 train as they travel around the loop to head back uptown. If you stay on after the last stop at Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall you will hear the announcement: "This is the last stop on this train.”
My channel keeps growing with explorations into the supernatural in some of the most haunted places in the US so make sure you subscribe.
Location: Brooklyn, New York City
Date: March, 2017
A My Haunted Diary Production
A Film by James Edward Garcia
Production music by www.epidemicsound.com (www.epidemicsou...)
Some music by James Edward Garcia.
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[@Lioness_Es]

Someone should tell buzzfeed that this is a legitimate video of City Hall Station. This is beautiful! Although it's in a state of decay you can still see how fancy it looked during its heyday, then again everything back then was a better quality. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@MyHauntedDiary]

you are welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnnys3487]

@@MyHauntedDiary Did you happen to find any ninja turtles or come across there lair ???

[@janierios1194]

That place is absolutely beautiful and pure historical structures that look like from 1900s

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

you figured that out huh?

[@147waverly9]

It is from 1900 are you paying attention to the video?

[@_kommandant_3055]

I wish there wasn't the stupid spooky sound effects and filters. It's just a beautiful old train station, no reason to pretend it's anything more. Nevertheless, props for posting footage of the station

[@AsherKroon]

Dats the right attatude

[@AsherKroon]

FkAvrgAzbichz stpbeinrtRdid ur the cry baby idiot

[@DaleDix]

1st world problems.

[@mauimudpup]

I agree the footage itself is cool the ghost searcher crowd can watch some abandoned house instead

[@torronthemighty]

@samantha mason scale of 1-10...about a 7

[@janecarolhogue3140]

Oh my gosh so stunningly beautiful. My love of history makes me think and imagine what it was like. So so beautiful

[@fungunfanatic]

It's a damn shame that as a society we no longer have the skill or budget to build such beautiful long lasting landmarks.

[@jasonrobertson216]

No doubt, old subways, old banks, old town squares, old city blocks... From 1800's - 1940's were awesome.

[@Ghost-kj7kv]

We still make really cool shit its just nobody really cares until its really old and being threatened with demolition or its already gone. Penn station for example.

[@TheAutumnNetwork]

We definitely have the skill and the money. Unfortunately, we live in a profit-driven society and this is what happens..

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

Deerhunter102 We built the metro station in DC and Grand Central Station.

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

Ghost Absolutely. I love Penn Station. I have lots of great architecture pics from Penn Station.

[@kittyring9855]

I'm not from the states but this is such a beautiful station. So many memories it must have held and the architecture is simply amazing. I hope this building is preserved as a national monument and thank you for sharing this video.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

appreciate the support

[@ml.vaughn2122]

It closed in 1945 a lot of passengers used the Brooklyn bridge station and by that time more than five cars could not be useful in the city hall station due to platform expansion

[@salruotolo6853]

Yep, I Got to see it live and in all it's majestic beauty!! Thanks to my mom for tirelessly trying to buy a pair of memberships to the metropolitan transit museum and getting the tickets even though it took 3 tries; 1 try a year because they sell out super fast!! And to my Brother for taking me; Ya know having siblings who are willing to make time to do the strangest and most unusual things just to spend time with their brothers or sisters is beyond awesome... My Graditude knows no bounds!! ... I loved it! WORDS JUST DON'T DO IT JUSTICE!! ... It Truly IS The Jewel In The Crown!! I Will Treasure Those Moments For The Rest of My Life And Into The Next If Possible!!! 💗💗💗💗💯💯💯💯♾♾♾♾

[@LynxStarAuto]

Sal Ruotolo oh wow you took the tour? I myself have been trying to do that. How in-depth was it?

[@henrysantos121]

This was excellent history videos,

[@madamhummingbird]

Hauntingly stunning

[@mattwittman450]

That's awesome! I'm fascinated with underground tunnels and architecture from this time period.

[@florarix2210]

Wow, what an amazing place. It even has chandeliers. The architecture from the past is really something to see.

[@bullymaguire6168]

Ikr. Meanwhile in the future people are probably making video game consoles with chandilers. Really wish they could have kept designs simple like back then

[@Hlfp]

CITY HALL SUBWAY STATION would make the most marvellous tourist attraction

[@michaelkaram]

then it'd just be a tacky tourist trap imo

[@nunayobusiness1771]

Why would anyone think this station is haunted. It's not like a mass murder happened here or some shit like that. Good Lord just cause something is dark and abandoned doesn't mean it's haunted.

[@bepopxxx]

Chad R i heard if the place got long time abandoned literally the demon or ghost will haunted the placed.

[@dannyl3657]

There’s a plaque by City Hall station that states, when City Hall was being renovated, some excavation took place and found out that those structures were built on top of where the most poverty-stricken of New Yorkers lived in the 17-1800s. Considering the subway was built underground, this may be the voices that were heard in the video. Cheers!

[@nebtheweb8885]

Na, just a wild imagination. Nothing more.

[@hunterdep1]

Because quite a few people lost their lives building it just as any large structure now you know when you can go tell your classmates

[@nebtheweb8885]

Lot of people died building everything in New York, I guess its haunted. Ooouuuuuiii!! BOO!

[@reaper060670]

What stunning architecture in that underground station. Reminded me of the years I lived and travelled the underground in London. This is a beautiful subway station James. Thanks for showing it on here

[@MyHauntedDiary]

It is something not many get to experience or at least film so freely. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaelderenne9838]

What a beautiful place

[@JPgamer1995]

this place is so much NOT haunted 😂

[@stevebirks2186]

Such amazing arcitecture - Loving built by men who served their apprenticeships - men who took pride in what they did ! - Not like todays kids sent on a 6 month scheme & at the end given a piece of paper saying they have done a course and is now a qualifide tiller ??? This building is the real thing ! - Never been on a subway - Did not realise they made so much noise ! -Thankyou for sharing your trip !

[@jesserevilla992]

There has to be other old sections through-out NYC subway system.. Man thank you for bringing it to us ! Shout out from Miami, Fla.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks

[@aarionmickles9995]

I just went there earlier today, and it is freaking spectacular! It was so beautiful! I loved it and, I'm going back.

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Beautiful architecture in the subway and very skillful tile work . We have a lot of paranormal activity in our London underground subways. Many of which have not been used since war time. Many thanks for sharing

[@MyHauntedDiary]

u r welcome.

[@jamiemezs9891]

Jacky Hawkins Do you have video of this places.

[@immrnoidall]

good place for some normal priced apartments.

[@irenebrennan]

that train could put a screaming banshee to shame, you captured some excellent EVP's Plus with all the gorgeous architecture its good to know that even though nobody is allowed to appreciate it much anymore, there are still those with nobodies who cannot be kept out

[@Nina-fp3jv]

I always think of Ghostbusters and the slime when I see this place.

[@Btvstudio]

You’ve gotten more access than BuzzFeed. How do you not have more views? This is awesome!!

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Thanks. I do not have advertising or $$ promoting my stuff. I do it on my own dime and share it out.

[@Btvstudio]

My Haunted Diary thank you for doing it. I actually found out that my father was down there when he worked for the State of NY. This is so awesome to see.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

very cool.

[@lewisfilby2394]

because he ruined it with "ghost voices". it was great video before and after that shit. i understand that this is a haunted channel but he would do better just documenting these places. oh theres a noise like 'ch tch chu ah chu' -- i guess thats a ghost saying "the tunnel" grrreat

[@LynxStarAuto]

MTA does tours of the place, but they are hard to come by

[@CM_86]

I always think of Ghostbusters 2 (river of slime scene) and the turtle lair from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret Of The Ooze when i see this. Anyway, stuff like this always fascinated me, very exciting. Great video, thank you for sharing this.

[@sheltiepaws1]

Hauntingly beautiful, I get chills just seeing it, I can feel it........

[@Simon-er4me]

And the subway was one of my favorite things about New York

[@lorispain1]

What an incredibly beautiful station, it doesn't get more Art Deco than this!

[@PhotoKaz]

Years and years of riding the Boston subway to work were remembered from this video, and turning up the volume on headphones to hear music, wrecking my ears to hear over the squealing train... Thanks for the tour! and one favor... could you leave any sentences over two lines for a little bit longer on the screen? Thank you so much if you can, pausing and going back interferes a bit with the enjoyment of the video. Great captures! You are the Vasco da Gama of the Spirits. Love your videos and your sense of humor. AND your editing skills.

[@joemomoney13]

Hello! I used to to ride the Subway in Boston. : )

[@PhotoKaz]

I can't remember a time when I didn't, from grade school to college to work! Not as crazy as NYC, but getting there! There are old abandoned tunnels James could explore, but nothing as pretty as this city hall station. Wish he could have explored it at night by himself.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thank you PhotoKaz for the support and the story share. Always liked Boston and of course would love to explore there. Maybe one day.

[@ninalutgen6244]

I like underground and the structures and architecture.

[@james-ud9lp]

You do realize that it's possible those voices could be echoing down from the park above it's not exactly like that Subway tunnel is completely sealed off there's many events surrounding that so it's possible the sound could be traveling from up above

[@LEXPIX]

Great footage and sound capture. Good thing you brought a light panel to light up the dark areas.

[@adkforever6997]

WHAT A COMPLETE AND UTTER BORE THIS WAS!!!!

[@ObsoleteOddity]

Thoroughly enjoyed this tour, thank you. Wonderful architecture.

[@richardevppro3980]

Well James this is a cracking show and i loved the station and thank you so much for filming this and getting the fantastic evp as well what a beautiful place and Thanks again for sharing this with the world.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

u r welcome, appreciate all your support.

[@kswck]

judging by a lack of police presence in City Hall Park, this must have been a Sunday.With the popularity of these videos of late, now MTA Police make sure the #6 is empty before going into the loop to turn around.There is another abandoned station at City Hall on the Broadway Local lines-underneath the station still being used.

[@lewisfilby2394]

it was a fully legal tour with a group and a guide (hence the 'voices')

[@oregonduck6467]

What a beautiful subway station! Great video!

[@perkelix]

We really missed the footage when you got out of the station to see the old entrance. That was an odd moment if discountinuity. I guess the exit is via the boarded up passage?

[@TheParkerizing]

Say 'hi' to the Ninja Turtles

[@MissWieza]

In 1904, New York City’s very first subway ride left from the City Hall station amidst great civic pride. Though its track is still active as a turnaround for the 6 line, trains no longer stop at Old City Hall station. New York Transit Museum members have the opportunity to explore this New York landmark through exclusive guided tours. The April Members Preview ticket sale for members-only tours and excursions, including the Jewel in the Crown: Old City Hall Station tours, has also been postponed. The Preview will be rescheduled once the Museum reopens and a new schedule of tours is available. Old City Hall tours are currently sold out. Not a member? Join or renew now. Tickets cost $50 per person and sell out very quickly.

[@ByGraceIGo]

Wonderful beautiful Italian style mosaics an amazing architecture they did back then. It's crazy how all the lights are on is it that station was still in operation. And maybe they're doing it on purpose for security reasons. So I am to assume that you are on some kind of tour? I don't know if they do that anymore I know that this video is over 5 years old. Very lovely! And I can't believe that they rejected the idea of having a restaurant down there oh my gosh can you imagine? That would bring in so much money. And people wouldn't have to take a train they're all they would have to do is open up the old Subway entrance that is shut off to the top.

[@patbyrne3076]

A shame such beautiful architecture no longer available for public viewing- a bygone era preserved in lonelines

[@patbyrne3076]

Loneliness

[@klein2042]

Damn the old stations used to look so cool. They’re ugly as hell now

[@williamdavies8286]

Thank you for this beautiful video I enjoyed it City Hall wicked👍👍😎

[@MyHauntedDiary]

glad you enjoyed it

[@lesleyanderson5697]

Brilliant video, really. Also thank you very much, NYC is an old hometown of mine.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

glad you enjoyed it. I am originally from NY (Queens) and Long Island. Worked in NYC as well.

[@tammywyche1829]

Beautiful train station

[@tiaguile6865]

I love the way you filmed this. You just kind of let us experience your p.o.v. I would love to see it irl. Thanks for sharing. It's a bit sad though, beautiful place.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes a beautiful lost in time place with a touch of sadness.

[@mikemalluz8528]

Awesome, thanks.

[@Matt.S.]

would have been better without all the jump cuts and "spooky" music...

[@fanrailfanning4699]

Awesome

[@melissae408]

What a beautiful historical place to explore. I also loved the expressions on the train riders faces!

[@shopsshire9282]

I wish some wealthy philanthropic person would restore this.

[@gerrycrisostomo6571]

That creepy train station kind of reminds me of a PC game called Metro 2033, a post Apocalyptic scenario where the people stay in the underground subways to escape the poisonous air and radiation on the surface caused by nuclear war. Anyway, it's easy to see why they closed the station. It maybe an architectural masterpiece but it's an engineering failure. They put the platform on a curve and that made a big gap between the train doors and the loading/unloading platform. That is extremely dangerous and a serious safety hazard for the passengers and the train crews alike. Thanks for the upload.

[@gerrycrisostomo6571]

I'm glad you survived. I hope that will not happen to other people. May God bless and keep you safe always my friend...

[@OlgaLevin]

Dude! That wide angle view is KILLER! Great shot!

[@Naomi_Price]

I love your videos! Awesome taste in band tshirts too! xx

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Thanks Naomi. Yes big Meshuggah fan as well.

[@MercyMe4931]

Very interesting from a historical and architectural viewpoint. Love seeing things like that

[@lissalives1]

Fantastic. The place is still very ornate and spectacular.

[@denshi-oji494]

Very cool place to see! Thanks!

[@janwarriner5037]

Great job! Only wonder why you didn't film on the "dead" track area since you were near that location. There's also a spot down there that when you talk it echoes. It's weird because the architecture is the same. Just one spot. I subbed and liked. Now let's see where we go next!

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thank you

[@sylvur1977]

Amazing!!!

[@UptownNYC]

This video reminds me of the game Bioshock for some reason..🤔

[@aakeister]

Why doesn’t the city open it up as a tourist attraction?

[@alexscholl150]

Alan Akeister I’m pretty sure they run tours

[@Commenter839]

They do run guided tours of the station. It's just that a lot of folks prefer sneaking into the "off limits" areas.

[@frank-xp6pj]

he is on a guided tour, they just let him stray off a little & come back.

[@RangerRickTV]

My next place to explore !Come with!

[@cre8tivplace222]

Beautiful archway & Tilework. Seeing this makes me feel America's best time was 1800's to 1900's Sadly everything is decaying. Where do you see a new train station or any public transit nowadays for that matter that has such artistry and intricate beauty? It's a continuous slippery slope downhill.

[@Commenter839]

The new Second Avenue Subway stations look beautiful, for starters. On the other hand, the 145th Street 1 train station was built the same year as this and looks like any average station today. I'm pretty sure the grandeur and effort that goes into the architecture is heavily dependent on how popular it's expected to be. City Hall used to be a very popular station before it was abandoned.

[@noonenow8515]

The Meshuggah shirt helped me like this video.

[@heycarrieann]

Thank you for sharing this! This really inspires me to get a membership to their museum and go on the tour. I know they are few and far between. I'm really glad I got to see it in your video!! Here's my question: There are skylight style windows down there. What is on the other side of them? Can they be seen from outside, by the public? If so, where?

[@ByGraceIGo]

I was wondering about that myself. I guess he didn't see your comment.

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome exploration

[@gavhinds8190]

another cracking video james m8...

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks gav

[@colinjohnston8519]

gav hinds fucking learn how to spell mate. It's 4 letters you plank.

[@ericmilton2324]

can you explain how you were allowed to get off at the station? was this a special tour offered my the MTA or soemthing? no one is allowed in there. they even bridged the gap for you guys. im confused...

[@clyth41]

What a beautiful station.. Shame its just left to rot... Fascinating...

[@torontorailfans6926]

The male guy that says Yes creeped me out

[@elborbah3045]

Thanks for the video !

[@QueenBeeBeautyXO]

What a beautiful building! Too bad it's just sitting there empty.Thx for the upload,always get excited when I see a new vlog from your channel☺

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks QB. Good to hear from you. Yes these incredible buildings and structures left to decay. At least they are protected from vandalism.

[@dasilva103]

Great video. Would love to know the song that was being played in the beginning when you were outside city hall.

[@markwalsh1044]

Pretty cool as always, reminds me of a movie set. was expecting to see a ghost train. Great evp's

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Thanks Mark. Hope to hook up at Bobby Mackey's, but don't post anything here.

[@markwalsh1044]

My Haunted Diary 😀

[@noface7224]

0:00 RIP EARS

[@ecomhicks]

Strange sounds in a subway tunnel? very strange indeed.

[@michelinmargareth]

Thanks for sharing :D keep up the good work!

[@MyHauntedDiary]

u r welcome, please subscribe if haven't already

[@kswck]

Unfortunately, this City Hall Station (There are 2), doesn't have moving platforms like the 14th St. stop so it had to be closed down. Look how far the doors of the train are from the platform. And Transit usually keeps it dark to prevent 'Urban Explorers' from doing just this. The Mayor has taken some foreign dignitaries into this station before. That is about the only times the station is lit up.

[@tryithere]

They originally only had access on and off trains atthe end of cars which is why this station originally worked.

[@seanroche2358]

Wonderful only next time feed that adorable squirrel

[@diverdude47]

Did you see any ninja turtles?

[@dawg338]

diverdude47 They’re in the sewers, not the subways. 😅

[@joshthesarge]

Darrin Patterson this was the turtle lair during the filming of TMNT 2.

[@dawg338]

Gotcha.

[@HobieKatt]

1st .... hello James , another awesome video !!! #MyHauntedDiary

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks Hobie and being first one to comment.

[@HobieKatt]

no problem #MyHauntedDiary , you have great content for morbid same minded viewers ! :) and thank you for getting me out of myself and helping me to video abandoned/haunted places , i was camera shy ...

[@TheKevphil]

Creepy place, but also very stately. I wonder if any of those ceiling tiles has ever fallen?

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Thanks Kevin. Some of the glass and tile have come down. They (MTA/City) have do clean up and minimal restoration.

[@MrRandyDandyAndy]

Eerie how empty the area around city hall is. Compared to most of new york

[@louisianafriesss]

Then Again The Station Doesn’t look haunted but it creeps me the hell out when I’m on the 6 Train.

[@JennyRAWR4]

Lol that old guy was like "wtf?"

[@hughjanaconda5646]

Great Investigation as always.keep up the good work my brother!!!

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks Hugh!

[@imanroy1264]

I think we was invited to visit.

[@petedeiler9431]

LOOKS LIKE A REAL 'GHOST BUSTER' EPISODE

[@kareninysimba]

Uuuuh!... A stopped train!! Run for your lives!! 😱😱😱... Why not mentioning how you got access to it btw?

[@BlueShadow777]

At 17’08, to me it sounds more like “passengers” than “bastards”... I hear three syllables, not two.

[@SpringoStar]

I was lucky enough when I was 21 to achieve researching this location with one of my urban groups back in 2001. Sadly, the only way in, is incredibly unsafe if timed incorrectly. Thankfully, we were safe getting in and out. It's such a beautiful station, and being a real NY'er, seeing it was a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Anyone bold enough to run the tracks, can get in. Sad to see it's deterioration. So curious of your connections on how you were permitted to "view" the station legally. Haunted? Well, I wouldn't go that far. "Apparitions" require empty places to exist. They are just residing there I'm sure, simply because they will not be bothered. We also completed research on the graves that were unearthed as well. blavity.com/slave-graveyard-hidden-brooklyn-gowanus-van-brunt

[@ocsrc]

Unknown to most, there is an OCD bunker located beneath this station. The door was bricked off in the 80s. Whether the cans of food and water were left in the bunker, I don't know. If you look, you will find the bricks that are newer that are where this door used to be.

[@shanarablue339]

It's beautiful !! It's such a shame it's hidden, iam sure it could be opened to the public as a tourist attraction, using saftey glass completely seal off the tracks at edge of the walkway , trains could still operate safely , all these old places going to ruin is such a shame to our history and the craftsmanship .

[@ladyjedi3D]

Interesting... Lots of supernatural activity. The orbs are spirits. So so fascinating. Dark entities hold the souls captive.

[@robertlopez2151]

I would like to see footage of all the abandoned tunnels...this was great

[@BrandonBreakfast]

When you drop your spoon at 3 AM 0:01

[@iamskylastar]

I'm from NYC and I never knew this was here. I want to see it for myself cause it looks so pretty on camera. Is this a tour he went on cause Ill pay for this tour. WOW

[@MxRider-ux4hk]

Love this video and all your other ones. There is no one else making videos like you. I hope you keep making these exploring and investigating videos. They are a lot of fun.

[@MyHauntedDiary]

Thank you MxRider 7777. Appreciate the support. Makes want to continue.

[@netabolt6546]

Now i know where they got the inspiration from for the river of slime scene from Ghostbusters 2 though they mentioned its Van Horne transit system, but the architecture and tilework and feel reminded me of river of slime scene.

[@123martinap]

Another great video ☺

[@MyHauntedDiary]

thanks!