Remembering Train History In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, NY — One of the main ways to reach Manhattan from Long Beach is via train. The Long Island Rail Road is the option for avoiding highway traffic.

Did you know the LIRR station was built in 1880 without a direct line to the city, or a commute to the beach?

It was also initially located closer to the ocean, until opening at Park Avenue, 1,000 feet to the north, in 1909.

The station debuted as part of the New York and Long Beach Railroad (NY&LB) Company, operating from Long Beach to Lynbrook.

There was also a long-defunct five-mile extension to taking riders to Point Lookout from 1881-1895, run by the Long Beach Marine Railway Company. That was actually more for trolley service than trains, LIRRHistory.com said.

That portion of the line was abandoned when several storms washed out the tracks.