The line was constructed in 1903, as part of the original expansion plan.

[1] The line was originally single track, constructed with 36-pound rails.

The line was constructed in conjunction with the Beale Memorial Clock Tower (dedicated April 4, 1904) which resided at the intersection of 17th Street and Chester Avenue.

With traffic concerns, the city council voted to remove the clock tower.

At the intersection of the clock tower, the rails were shifted to allow travel around it.