RailroadsVerified to source

1849–1852

The original Kingwood Tunnel is bored near Tunnelton

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad crews began boring the original Kingwood Tunnel near present-day Tunnelton late in 1849 and completed the 4,137-foot bore late in 1852. Excavation advanced from both portals and six additional headings reached through three shafts. It was the longest tunnel in the country when completed, though more work was needed before track could be laid.

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Sources and further reading

Where this entry comes from

Historic American Engineering Record, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: Kingwood Tunnel, HAER WV-16, pp. 1–3

Related historical photograph

Kingwood Tunnel photographs, Historic American Engineering Record

The gallery documents the tunnel but does not depict its 1849–1852 construction.

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