Beneath the glitz and glamour of New York City’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel lies a forgotten piece of history – a secret train platform directly connected to Grand Central Terminal. Known as Track 61, this clandestine platform was never intended for regular passenger use but instead served as a potential escape route for presidents and other VIPs. Shrouded in mystery, it speaks to a bygone era of high-security travel.

The Origins of Track 61

Grand Central Terminal sits on a vast underground complex of tracks and platforms. Track 61 was built in the early 1900s, not for public transportation, but to accommodate private rail cars. The Waldorf Astoria, constructed directly above in 1931, holds the unique distinction of being the only hotel in the world with its own private train platform.

A Discreet Route for VIPs

Track 61 became most famous for its purported use by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR, who used a wheelchair due to polio, sought ways to discreetly enter and exit New York City. The underground platform offered unparalleled privacy and security. However, the extent of its actual use by FDR remains a subject of ongoing debate among historians.

Accounts of the Presidential Train Car

Various accounts describe how FDR’s travels via Track 61 might have unfolded:

• The Armored Car: Some reports suggest FDR had a custom-built, armored train car that would transport him via Track 61. Upon arrival, he’d be lifted off the train within a waiting vehicle into the Waldorf’s freight elevator for a direct route to the hotel.
• Connecting to the Main Line: Other stories tell of FDR’s train car attaching to a regular Metro-North train that would then discreetly enter Track 61, blending in with other commuter trains.
• Secrecy and Urban Legend: As the story of FDR’s use of Track 61 spread, it became interwoven with urban legend making it challenging to fully separate fact from myth.

Other Notable Uses

While FDR’s use of the platform is the most well-known, it’s likely that other VIPs used this secret route over the years:

• General John J. Pershing: One of the earliest confirmed uses of Track 61 was by World War I General Pershing in 1938.
• Refuge for the Wealthy: There are rumors the secret track and its connection to the Waldorf Astoria might have served as an emergency escape route for wealthy New Yorkers during times of crisis or unrest.

The Legacy of Track 61

Track 61, while now mostly inactive, remains a fascinating relic. It offers a glimpse into:

• Past Security Concerns: The need for such a discreet platform underscores the very different security challenges faced by leaders in earlier eras.
• Architectural Ingenuity: The engineering and logistics required to build and maintain a secret rail platform within one of the world’s busiest terminals is an impressive feat.
• The Allure of Hidden History: Track 61 captures the imagination, reminding us that even in the most familiar of places, secrets and stories lie waiting to be discovered.

Is it Possible to Visit Track 61?

Unfortunately, Track 61 is not open for public tours. However, some official Waldorf Astoria events occasionally offer limited access. Even without a visit, researching its history transports you into an intriguing hidden world within the bustling heart of New York City.