alternatehistory.com

Cable traction (i.e., the cable car, as embodied by those vehicles in Frisco) did not emerge until the 1870s. The elements, however, were certainly there well beforehand: stationary steam engines, wire rope, cast iron technology, rail technology, and carbuilding were all well established a good thirty years earlier if not more. Thus my question is this: how do we establish a POD whereby these elements are brought together with Andrew Smith Hallidie's key innovation, the grip, at an earlier time, not necessarily in Frisco? I suggest the place might be either New York or Philadelphia in the 1850s: both cities had tight population densities and runs of straight streets with reasonably level terrain, all of which are more favorable than not for cable traction. It's the spark for development that's escaping me. Thoughts?
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