July 15, 2016
The World’s First Escalator Was Installed in Coney Island 120 Years Ago
When you think of Coney Island, cutting edge technology probably doesn't come to mind. But more than a century ago, this little enclave of amusement and thrills was where the world's very first working escalator was installed.
In 1896, engineer Jesse W. Reno brought his patented "Endless Conveyor Elevator" (though he called it the "inclined elevator") to the Old Iron Pier at Coney Island. Reno's invention stretched a mere seven feet angled at 25-degrees, and instead of steps, the escalator used a conveyor-like belt fashioned with cast-iron cleats for traction. The Coney Island installation is said to have carried over 75,000 patrons over its two-week residency.
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