Pneumatic tubes were an innovative method of transporting mail between 23 U.S. Post Offices in New York City, covering a network of 27 miles. Introduced in the early 1900s, these tubes allowed for the rapid movement of letters and small packages through a system of underground pipes using air pressure.
The pneumatic tube system was particularly useful for expediting mail delivery in a busy urban environment, reducing reliance on traditional postal methods. It functioned by sending mail through tubes to various post offices, where it could be collected and sorted quickly.
The system operated effectively for several decades, enhancing the efficiency of the postal service in New York City. However, advancements in transportation and communication eventually rendered pneumatic tubes obsolete, leading to their discontinuation in 1957. Despite its end, the pneumatic tube system remains a fascinating chapter in the history of urban infrastructure and mail delivery.