Tunnel Hill is located in the North Georgia town known as Tunnel Hill. The Tunnel is a former Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel. It is most famously known for its role in the Civil War, most notably the Great Locomotive Chase. The Tunnel was the first one to be completed to the south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The Tunnel is approximately 1,497 feet long. During the Great Locomotive Chase, James Andrews and his raiders felt that Tunnel Hill would give them an advantage, in the sense that they could take advantage of the darkness and get away. Much to their dismay, this was not the case, as Will Fuller, and the Texas were able to stay in close pursuit. The original Tunnel stayed in operation until 1928, when a new one was constructed beside it. The old Tunnel was eventually paved and now serves as a tourist attraction, and visitors can walk through it. The Tunnel at Tunnel Hill is truly a great example of Americana, and railroading history.
The original Tunnel as it appears today.
The new tunnel at Tunnel Hill.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond, including the big announcement.
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