Where New York’s Taxi Story Began

August 20, 2026

Few symbols are as distinctly New York as the taxi. For more than a century, cabs have been woven into the fabric of city life. Less well known is the role The Plaza played in the story of their arrival.

When The Plaza opened on October 1, 1907, it quickly became one of the city’s most celebrated destinations. That same day, a fleet of motorized taxicabs arrived outside the hotel, marking an important moment in the city’s history. Operated by entrepreneur Harry N. Allen, the vehicles introduced a modern alternative to the horse-drawn carriages that had long dominated the streets.

The location was no coincidence. Situated at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza stood at the center of New York society, welcoming travelers, business leaders, and cultural figures from around the world. The hotel’s grand opening provided the perfect stage for showcasing an innovation that would soon transform how the city moved.

As motorized taxis gained popularity, they helped usher New York into a new era. More than a century later, taxis remain an essential part of the city’s identity, connecting visitors to the neighborhoods, landmarks, and experiences that make the city unlike anywhere else.

The arrival of New York’s first motorized taxicabs was just one of countless historic moments that have unfolded at The Plaza. Guests interested in discovering more of the hotel’s remarkable past are invited to explore The Plaza’s Historical Tours, offering an insider’s look at the stories, milestones, and legends that have shaped New York’s most iconic address.

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