Something about tunnels inspires intrigue. Whether they’re allegedly haunted or are the result of an engineering model, they’re certainly fascinating to learn about. If you find yourself agreeing with this, then you’ll be awestruck by today’s topic: the Wilkes Street Tunnel in Alexandria. To begin with, its appearance is rather baffling. Moreover, there’s a good chance that this pedestrian tunnel is haunted. Here’s more on this fascinating northern Virginia landmark:
Walking around Old Town Alexandria today, you might spot an utterly unusual pedestrian tunnel going downward under a street that goes uphill. The seemingly contradicting landmark has been in existence since the nineteenth century.
AlbertPego / Getty Images
It was May of 1851 when the Wilkes Street Tunnel first went into operation as a crucial part of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Alexandria was an important waterfront destination and housed many warehouses and wharves on the Potomac.
Zachary Boyle / Google
The Wilkes Street Tunnel, with its sandstone vaulted walls, served an important role in both the Civil War and WWI. The tracks continued to operate until 1975 and afterward were removed so that the tunnel could be used as a pedestrian and bike pathway.
Vinh Le/Google
Hundreds of years after its construction, the tunnel is still enjoyed by residents of Alexandria and visitors. And yet, you may want to avoid exploring the tunnel at night. History reports that an anonymous murder was committed inside the tunnel around the time of the Civil War.
Megan Rollo / Google
Walk inside and you may suddenly come across a bizarre “cold spot” or the feeling of dread. It may just be the lingering spirit of a ghost who never really left this tunnel.
Wayne Thume/flickr
Whether you believe this landmark to be haunted or not, there’s no denying the visual and historical intrigue of the Wilkes Street Tunnel. Have you visited before? If so, we’d love to hear about it!
AlbertPego / Getty Images
Zachary Boyle / Google
Vinh Le/Google
Megan Rollo / Google
Wayne Thume/flickr
For related content, be sure to read about This Strange Phenomenon In Virginia That’s Too Weird For Words.
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