Hoosac Tunnel Is A Desolate Tunnel From 1851 Hiding In Small Town Massachusetts
By E Jamar|Updated on September 20, 2023(Originally published September 20, 2020)
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E Jamar
Author
E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.
There are plenty of relics from long ago throughout the Bay State, but some have an eerie vibe about them. Hoosac Tunnel is a desolate-feeling tunnel that starts in North Adams and ends in the small town of Florida, Massachusetts. Not only does this tunnel date back to the 1850s, but it also holds a scary history within. Given the nickname “The Bloody Pit.” it’s easy to see that Hoosac Tunnel isn’t just any railroad tunnel. There’s a dark and gruesome past hiding behind this small town tunnel, and it’s downright bone-chilling. Let’s learn more about this historic tunnel hiding in the tiny town of Florida, and afterward, you can go visit if you dare.
Hiding in Berkshire County is the historic Hoosac Tunnel.
It stretches for 4.75 miles through the Hoosac Range from Florida, Massachusetts to North Adams, Massachusetts.
This desolate tunnel dates all the way back to the 1850s when construction was started, and it's the longest active railroad tunnel east of the Rocky Mountains.
The term "Hoosac" is Algonquian for "place of stones." This tunnel has quite the history and has even earned a spot on the list of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks in 1975.
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The tunnel was originally proposed in 1819 as a canal project to connect Boston and Upstate New York, but the finished project wasn't decided on until 1851.
The deadliest and most horrific incident to happen at Hoosac Tunnel was the Central Shaft accident. There's a chimney within the tunnel that goes down nearly 1,000 feet so that exhaust can leave the tunnel. On October 17, 1867, the shaft caught fire, and an explosion killed 13 men and destroyed the pumps that kept the chimney from flooding.
The most chilling part about this story is that it was assumed all men died in the explosion.
However, that wasn't the case. Months after the explosion, manmade rafts were found, indicating that some of the men survived for a time and tried to deal with the flooding.
Hoosac Tunnel is still used by some freight trains to this day, but its eerie history makes it feel completely desolate.
The east portal of Hoosac Tunnel is the most viewable side of this tunnel and can be found in the small town of Florida, Massachusetts.
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Both sides of the Hoosac Tunnel are accessible via a short walk, but I wouldn't venture too far into the tunnel.
Jackie Ann / OnlyInYourState
Keep in mind that it's still an active railway, and freight trains pass through almost daily. You wouldn't want to be inside the tunnel when a train comes through!
Over the years, many haunted tales have been passed down from folks believing this tunnel in Massachusetts is haunted.
Jackie Ann / OnlyInYourState
As a paranormal enthusiast, I've had the opportunity to visit this tunnel several times over the years, and while I haven't had a paranormal experience of my own, I've had friends who have! One of my friends visited the tunnel on the western entrance by North Adams (pictured above) and claims to have seen the ghost of an old construction worker sitting on the top of the tunnel. He spoke with her for a brief moment before disappearing!
With so many tragic deaths surrounding the construction of the tunnel, it's easy to see how the ghost stores began.
Jackie Ann / OnlyInYourState
I can't confirm if there are spirits still lurking around the tunnel, but I can absolutely confirm the place will give you the creeps. On the North Adams side, there are a few abandoned buildings and ruins of alignment towers nearby, but nothing else around. I was more concerned with running into a moose or a bear than a ghost!
Did you know the gruesome history behind the Hoosac Tunnel in small-town Massachusetts? Have you ever visited it? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
If you’re considering visiting the Hoosac Tunnel and planning an adventure to Western Massachusetts, I’d recommend staying at The Porches Inn in North Adams. While we’re at it, check out Coyote Flaco for some of the best Mexican food in Massachusetts.
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Hoosac Tunnel & Related Info
Jackie Ann|September 20, 2023
Is The Hoosac Tunnel still used?
Yes, the Hoosac Tunnel is still an active train tunnel. The 4.75-mile tunnel is a very active route for freight trains passing through Western Massachusetts, so do not try to walk through the tunnel.
What are some other haunted places in Massachusetts?
