Debut of NYC’s Empire State Express, December 7, 1941

On December 7, 1941, the New York Central Railroad debuted the “new“ streamlined Empire State Express (ESE). The train’s inaugural run was overshadowed by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, prompting the USA’s official involvement in World War II. The ESE provided luxury service between New York City, Buffalo, Detroit & Cleveland. The trains featured a locomotive built by ALCO and streamlined in an art deco style by industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss. Historic & Buffalo. Learn more at www.