The compressor building on River Road in Florida, four compressors each mounted at the base of the building dropped below floor level to a turbine. These turbines were spun by water that traveled down a sluicewayfrom behind the dam about a mile upstream Deerfield River. The compressed air was piped into the tunnel bore by a pair of 8 inch cast iron pipes then connected by rubber tubes to the drills. This building was three stories in height, most likely made from rock from the East Portal tunnel bore. The first floor housed the compressors, and the remaining floors were used for repairing tools. It can be clearly seen from the rail trestle and is along the bank of the Deerfield River.

The Compressor Building was not built until 14 years after the tunnel started construction. The air powered Burleigh Drill, invented in 1865 created the need for compressed air. Using the water power from the river, the compressor building was built to run these new drills. Photos by Stephanie.

Our hike at the East Portal of the Hoosac Tunnel in Florida included finding the history here of the railroad and how it has changed over the years. Learn more at www.hoosactunnel.net

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