The Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel

The Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel 

Construction began on the tunnel in 1848, during which the city of Tunnel Hill sprung up from people moving here to supply accommodations to the railway workers. The tunnel, which spans 1,477 feet, was dug through the base of Chetoogeta Mountain. FUN FACT: Construction began on both sides of the mountain simultaneously. Without the use of any sort of modern convenience, the tunnel workers met in the middle being on 1/4 of an inch off center! 

On May 9, 1850, the first Western and Atlantic train passed through the mountain tunnel and the new town of Atlanta became one of the railway’'s major hubs. 

The tunnel became part of several historical events during the Civil War. The most exciting of these events happens to be The Great Locomotive Chase.

Later on down the line (Ha! I punned) heavy railroad traffic and larger train cars getting stuck in the tunnel led to the building of a larger parallel tunnel, ending the use of the tunnel in 1928. The larger tunnel that was created in the 1920s is still in use and can be seen running parallel to the original W&A Tunnel.

The tunnel faced possible destruction from 70 years of neglect until, in 1992, steps were taken to preserve it. After a lengthy period of restoration and rehabilitation, the tunnel was opened to the public in 2000, just in time for its 150th anniversary.

The W&A Railroad Heritage Museum

The Heritage Center Museum is your starting place when visiting the Tunnel Hill Heritage Park.

• Learn of the Clisby Austin family who settled the area.
• Discover the steps to restoring one of the South's oldest railroad tunnels.
• See how the American Civil War left its mark on Tunnel Hill following the Battle of Chickamauga and the planning of the Atlanta Campaign.
• Reminisce on the historic Great Locomotive Chase that roared through the W&A tunnel.
• Take a tour of the entire Heritage Park by limo golf cart!

Monday - Saturday  9:00am - 5:00pm

Tour Closed Sunday - Grounds Open During Daylight Hours

Great Locomotive Chase Tour             $6.00

Civil War                                                $6.00

Deluxe Tour (Both Above Tours)       $10.00

Group discounts for 20 or more:         $5.00

The Clisby Austin House

Built in 1848 by the house's namesake, Clisby Austin, the Clisby Austin house is a prime example of the antebellum style of housing.  It has experienced several interesting events since its construction, primarily during the Civil War. FUN FACT: It was one of the only multi-story houses in the area at the time and was originally known as Meadowlawn. 

The house served as a  hospital during the battle of Chickamauga.  It was here that Confederate General John Hood was sent to recuperate after the amputation of his leg, which accompanied him along his journey (so it could be buried with him in case he died).  The leg is buried near the house. FUN FACT: This isn't the an actual headstone, and the exact location of Hood's leg is debated among local historians. Trust me... just ask one if you've a few hours! 

The house also served as headquarters to William Sherman during the Battle of Dalton and it has been said that Sherman planned the final legs of the Atlanta Campaign here. He stood at that very kitchen table and pounded it saying, "I've go Joe Johnston dead!"

Clisby Austin sold the house and surrounding acreage during the war and moved his family back to the relative safety of East Tennessee. The Austin family cemetery is located on a hill across from the house.  Rebecca, mother of Clisby, has the only remaining headstone.  It is believed that as many as 17 family members are buried there.

Unfortunately the home has seen modernization, but has not been inhabited for many years, allowing it to slip into disrepair. Thanks to recent owners Kenneth and Barbara Holcomb, the structure has been restored to the property of the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center and today forms part of the Tunnel Hill historic district. In addition to enriching the area, the state of Georgia also issued a $30,000 grant to the museum in order to further restore this piece of local history to its former glory.

The Battle of Tunnel Hill Reenactment

The Annual War Between the States Battle Reenactment since 1993

Recreating the Battles and Skirmishes

In North West Georgia Beginning the 100 Days Fight to Atlanta and The Sea.

September 12-13, 2015

Admission is $10; kids 12 and under are free.

Reenactment, Museum, W & A Railroad Tunnel and Clisby Austin House are all included with admission.

Open 9:00am - 4:00pm; Battle begins at 2:00pm each day.

Come Visit

So, whether you're traveling, new to the area or have lived here you're whole life; there are new reasons to visit the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center! Join them on Facebook by clicking here or visit their website at www.railroadtunnel.com .  It's getting beautiful outside so come out and just enjoy the Nature Trail that has recently been refurbished with a wooden walkway! 

See you at the Tunnel!