Angels Flight Railway: A Ride Through History

Angels Flight Railway, a beloved Los Angeles landmark, is a historic funicular railway in the Bunker Hill district. Often called the "shortest railway in the world," it spans a mere 298 feet, bridging the 96-foot vertical gap between Hill Street and Grand Avenue. Originally opened in 1901 as the "Los Angeles Incline Railway" , Angels Flight was conceived by Colonel J.W. Eddy to connect the residential enclave on Bunker Hill with the burgeoning business district below. The railway quickly became a popular and efficient mode of transport for residents and tourists alike. The original location was a half block away from its current location. The funicular operates with two cars, named Sinai and Olivet, which travel in opposite directions on a shared cable, counterbalancing each other. This system makes the railway energy efficient, requiring the engine to compensate only for the weight difference of the passengers. Angels Flight has carried over 100 million passengers. Angels Flight has been featured in over 100 movies and TV shows, including classics like "La La Land," "500 Days of Summer," and "Kiss Me Deadly". Designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Angels Flight is a treasured piece of Los Angeles history. After undergoing rehabilitation, Angels Flight reopened in August 2017, preserving its original Beaux Arts splendor. The railway continues to offer a unique and nostalgic experience, inviting visitors to step back in time and enjoy a short but memorable ride.