7. The Tunnel was Instrumental in Providing Aid During 9/11

Tunnel Tower Run. Photo by Tech Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey via the US Marine Corps

During the 9/11 attacks, the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel provided an absolutely necessary service by allowing the FDNY to receive help from their Brooklyn divisions. One particularly brave firefighter strapped all of his gear to his body and took off running, making it from Brooklyn to the World Trade Center via the tunnel. The man’s name was Stephen Siller and he gave his life to help those in need during the attack.

Now, every year, Siller and every other courageous firefighter who died on 9/11 is commemorated by the “Tunnel to Tower Run,” a 5k race that makes its way through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to One World Trade Center.