At the intersection of West 74th Street and Central Park West in New York City, a historic and tragic event took place over 120 years ago. This location marks the scene of a significant first in American history: the first automobile-related fatality.
The Accident That Claimed Henry H. Bliss
On September 13, 1899, Henry H. Bliss, a 68-year-old real estate dealer, was riding a southbound trolley with a female companion. As they arrived at their stop at West 74th Street, Bliss exited the trolley and turned back to assist his companion in stepping down. In that brief moment of kindness, tragedy struck. An electric taxi cab, driven by Arthur Smith, collided with Bliss, knocking him to the ground and running him over.
Bliss was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. His death marked a grim milestone: he became the first person in the United States to be killed by an automobile.
Arthur Smith, the driver of the electric cab, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. However, he was later acquitted of the charges.
Henry Bliss Plaque
Exactly 100 years later, on September 13, 1999, a memorial plaque was installed at the intersection of West 74th Street and Central Park West. The commemorative marker was placed by Citystreets, a pedestrian safety advocacy group, to honor Bliss’ memory and raise awareness about road safety. The ceremony was attended by three of Bliss’ great-granddaughters, connecting generations through the shared story of this historic tragedy.
The Continuing Relevance of Traffic Safety
While the death of Henry Bliss was an isolated incident in 1899, traffic fatalities have since become a pressing public safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 28,000 people lost their lives in traffic crashes from January to September 2020 alone. This somber statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of traffic safety.