The idea of a world beneath our feet has been fascinating to people for ages. It’s a staple of old science fiction in stories like Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Divine Comedy both describe incredibly rich and detailed worlds and even in modern times the idea that there’s something more down below exists in films like Godzilla vs King Kong and THX 1138.
Caves, tunnels, subways and subterranean structures all feed into the idea that there absolutely could be a society underground somewhere. And even though no society has fully lived underground before, it doesn’t mean that smaller groups haven’t done it.
10. The New York Tunnel Dwellers
According to New York transit officials, there are about 350 people who call the network of subway tunnels beneath New York City home. Upwards of 1,000 shelter there regularly, though the city is now invested in removing them entirely.
The first subway opened back in 1904 and the system has been an iconic part of the city ever since. There are 230 miles of tunnels down there, not to mention a number of secret stations and tunnels that no longer see use. Except by the city’s homeless population.
