Rowe, Massachusetts - Hoosac Tunnel

The Hoosac Tunnel under the Taconic Range used to run double track rail line, starting in 1881, which one can see in old photos. It was also electrified in 1910, but diesel traction rendered that obsolete by 1948. Because freight trains started carrying wider loads in the fifties, by 1957 the line reverted to single track.

Hard to tell today, but the West Portal had wood, then metal, doors to keep weather (snow and ice) out of the tunnel. Also the dates over the East and West portals are different years: 1874 at the West end and 1877 at the East end, for the dates the facades were built. [Alph Winter, 01/15/2008]

After navigating on twisty backroads in Rowe, we finally came to Hoosac Tunnel. Dark and foreboding, we ventured on into the pitch-black railroad tunnel. It was cold, but it was probably due to the weather, and not the haunted spirits of those whose lives were abruptly lost in the multiple incidents that went on during the construction of the tunnel.

Just a warning though -- the area is off-limits to visitors, so if you dare to go, do so with caution. [Nat Balsley, 12/06/2007]

Railroad tunnel through Hoosac Mountain. When built, it was the longest tunnel in the western hemisphere. Many lives were lost during the drilling, and the tunnel is supposed to be haunted. Note: the tunnel is 4.77 miles long, so attempting to walk through it is probably not a smart idea. [Andrew Cruse, 09/02/2005]

An eerie railroad tunnel with a very spooky history. Many lives were lost building it. [Dale Waterhouse, 09/15/2003]

This is a very long tunnel bored straight through a mountain. It was the first use of TNT for blasting, therefore it was very dangerous and risky at the time. Hundreds of mine workers were killed in accidents and mysterious circumstances. A murder supposedly took place inside the mine between a boss and a worker who was killed. The suspect returned a year later and was found strangled to death at the place where the murder took place. Also, an accident caused flooding and many workers drowned and their bodies were trapped until they were dug out. People hear moans and see apparitions floating by still dressed in their mine uniforms. I felt a cold chill go through me while I was inside the tunnel.

A train still runs through the mine tunnel, so be careful. But this is a famous location known for the ghosts and many stories. The "half-buried" drill bit mentioned in another report is actually here in the north shaft. It got stuck partway through the construction. [Don R., 04/29/2003]