The Abandoned Boone Tunnel Once Led Automobiles Across The Kentucky River
The history of Kentucky can often be told through what’s been left behind from our past. There are remnants of centuries of lives lived here and over time, more and more manmade structures are abandoned, left standing as a reminder of how things once were. Located in Jessamine County, Boone Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel in Kentucky that was once used by modes of transportation to cross the Kentucky River. The history of this area is fascinating and the tunnel still stands, as well as other pieces of how things once were in this area of Kentucky.
The Boone Tunnel dates back to the early 20th century when the stretch of road connecting Jessamine and Mercer counties was redesigned.
The bridge opened in 1871 and the tunnel followed several years later. The first route that led stage coaches and eventually automobiles across the river was curved around the edge of the cliff, so the creation of the tunnel made this route easier to maneuver.
Unfortunately, in 1953, the already weakened bridge collapsed when a food service truck tried to pass over it.
Thankfully, the driver survived, but did sustain serious injuries. But the destruction of the bridge led to its demise and the building of a new bridge, which meant the Boone Tunnel was no longer needed to cross the river.
The tunnel still stands today and is approximately 150 feet long, 20 feet wide, and about 25 feet high.
You won't see any cars or horse-drawn carriages passing through it today, but you can see this engineering marvel and evidence of our past when visiting on foot.
The area is also home to pieces of the former Brooklyn Bridge, which you can see more of in the video linked below.
With Shaker Village and the historic town of Harrodsburg nearby, you could easily spend a day trip exploring the history of this interesting region of Kentucky.
The Boone Tunnel is actually one of many abandoned tunnels in Kentucky and it definitely comes with one of the most tell-worthy stories.
Be sure to watch the six minute video below for more images, history, and information on this preserved piece of Kentucky's past.
Hear the entire story behind this abandoned tunnel in Kentucky, as well as our very own Brooklyn Bridge in this informative video by History In Your Own Backyard:
Boone Tunnel is one of many remnants from our state’s past. This abandoned tunnel in Kentucky once led across the river and it’s fascinating to imagine all of the people who passed through and how it now stands empty. Have you seen Boone Tunnel in person? What’s your favorite abandoned place in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments.
For another abandoned tunnel in Kentucky, check out this haunting place just outside of Campbellsville.
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Address: Boone Tunnel, 9859 Harrodsburg Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390, USA
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
