The Hoosac Tunnel was expected to take about 4 1/2 years to finish. Geologists said that there would be no major obstacles, no water problems, and no weak earth. None of this turned out to be true. In the end it took 23 years, 195 lives and estimates between 17 and 21 million dollars. In 1881 double tracking was added. On February 9, 1875 the first train passed through the tunnel (carrying a few flatbeds and a boxcar filled with people), on April 5th the first freight train passed, finally on October 13th the first passenger train passed. B.N. Farren did the final work on the tunnel in February 1875 which included widening tight spots, and building arching over weak spots. The State officially opened the tunnel July 1, 1876. This is the East portal in Florida.

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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