A century-old climb. That’s Angels Flight. Right here before you stands a testament to Los Angeles history. This isn’t just a funicular railway. It’s a story etched in steel and cable.
Angels Flight opened in 1901. It wasn’t always here though. The original Angels Flight was a block away. It connected Hill Street and Olive Street. Two cars named Sinai and Olivet climbed a steep incline. Gravity helped the descent. The original design was simple. It had a single cable connecting the cars. A separate safety cable was there too in case of failure.
For decades Angels Flight was a lifeline. It carried local workers between Bunker Hill and the Historic Core. It was also a tourist attraction. It appeared in over 100 films. One penny was all it cost for a ride. That’s quite the bargain.
Unfortunately Angels Flight has seen its share of accidents. In 1913 there was a derailment. In 1937 a sleeping salesman was almost hurt. Then in 1943 a sailor was tragically killed. The most serious incident occurred in 2001. A fatal accident shut down the funicular. The NTSB investigation revealed serious design flaws. The railway remained closed until 2010. The 2013 derailment. A tree branch was used to intentionally bypass the safety system. That led to more safety upgrades.
After years of closures and repairs. Angels Flight reopened in 2017. The cars were restored to their original Beaux-Arts splendor. New safety features were added. An evacuation walkway too. Today a one-way ride costs just $1.
Angels Flight. More than just a ride. It’s a journey through time. A symbol of perseverance and innovation. It connects the past to the present. So take a ride. Experience history firsthand. Enjoy the view.