Discover The Longest Tunnel in Massachusetts

Long tunnels can feel spooky to travel through, especially when there is minimal light and a tragic past behind their construction. The longest tunnel in Massachusetts checks all of these boxes. Are you ready to discover the longest tunnel in Massachusetts and why it’s known as a haunted location? Keep reading to learn more!

About the Hoosac Tunnel

The longest tunnel in Massachusetts is the Hoosac Tunnel. It’s 25,081 feet long and only has one track. This tunnel’s width is about 24 feet. The tunnel is meant for slow and steady traffic with an operating speed of 25 miles per hour. The Hoosac Tunnel is an active tunnel that’s operated for over a century. This tunnel is located in western Massachusetts through the Hoosac Range.

This massive project cost over $21 million to construct. Construction began in 1851, however, it was first proposed as early as 1819. It took about 22 years to complete the project and the tunnel opened on February 9, 1875, but not without its fair share of problems.

Accidents While Constructing and Operating the Longest Tunnel in Massachusetts

Sadly, constructing the Hoosac Tunnel proved to be difficult, and many accidents occurred. During construction, there were 195 injuries and 135 verified deaths. One of the worst accidents to happen was the explosion in the Central Shaft. This massive explosion was sparked by a candle and naphtha fumes. It caused the shaft to collapse, trapping and killing many workers.

About 5 workers escaped as they were closer to the top. Although a rescue was attempted the next day, the fumes were too much, and the trapped workers were declared dead. A total of 13 miners perished in the gas explosion. Sadly, in the first few days, bodies rose as pipes burst and pushed water into the shaft. A year later when the other bodies were uncovered, they were discovered on a makeshift raft, attempting to float up. They suffocated before they could float. Even before this awful accident though, workers were injured or killed from falling debris, explosions, and accidents involving tools. It was so prominent, that the tunnel was nicknamed the “Bloody Pit.”

Is the Hoosac Tunnel Haunted?

With how many accidents occurred in the Hoosac Tunnel, it’s not surprising to know that this location is considered one of the most haunted spots in the United States. Ghost stories surrounded this tunnel as early as its first days of construction. People in nearby towns told stories of mysterious figures wandering near the tunnel’s construction. According to these locals, the mysterious figures were dressed as miners.

Workers and travelers that use this tunnel have reported mysterious flashing lights and moaning sounds. Although ghost hunting is a fun activity, don’t wander into the Hoosac Tunnel! This tunnel is still active and there is no telling when a freight train will run through.

Animals Near and Around the Hoosac Tunnel

It’s unlikely you’ll see many animals while inside the tunnel since it’s a small space. However, the tunnel is found within the Hoosac Range, which is home to many animal species. Listed below are some animals you may encounter in or near the Hoosac Tunnel.

Bobcats

The first animal on our list is the bobcat, which is common throughout Massachusetts. They are very common in the western part of the state. Experts estimate there are about 3,500 bobcats in the state. These lovely wild cats are shy and mainly active at night. Although they are common in the state, most stay away from people. They are great hiders and are found in rural and urban areas.

Bobcats can weigh as much as 40 pounds. Females are typically smaller than males. Bobcats are excellent hunters and mainly consume rodents. However, they sometimes hunt for domestic pets when it’s convenient. Adult bobcats have few predators. Their most common predator is the coyote. Young bobcats are most vulnerable to attacks.

American Beavers

Another animal you can find near the longest tunnel in Massachusetts is the American beaver. They are North America’s largest rodents. Although you can find many North American beavers in Massachusetts, their numbers are low compared to before European settlement.

Beavers are very big animals! They can easily weigh up to 80 pounds and live for about 20 years in the wild. Beavers are also best known for their large tails. These animals are about 2 to 3 feet long with 10 to 18-inch tails, which sometimes make up a third of their body length. Although active throughout the year, you can better spot these large rodents from January to June.

Eastern Gray Squirrels

Eastern gray squirrels are one of the most common animals in North America. They are sometimes found in the Hoosac Tunnel but are more common in the area. Eastern gray squirrels are native to eastern North America, however, can be found throughout the world. They are especially an invasive species in Europe.

Eastern gray squirrels are fast, smart, and small. They are only about 9 to 12 inches long. Eastern gray squirrels despite their name, don’t all have gray fur. Instead, some squirrels have brownish fur. Unlike other animal species, there are minimal differences between each gender.

Common Muskrat

Muskrats are often confused for beavers, and they are just as prevalent in Massachusetts. Common muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that live in lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are great at hiding, which makes them difficult to spot. Sometimes, they are also confused for large rats. However, they aren’t rats.

Muskrats are about 5 inches tall and weigh about 1 to 3 pounds. They are great diggers and have fur which is made for the water. Muskrats are known for their 9 to 10-inch hairless tails, which drag when they walk.

Black Bear

Within the Hoosac Range, which is where the Hoosac Tunnel lies, live black bears. In Massachusetts, there are approximately 4,500 black bears. You can see these large bears while hiking on trails like the Hoosac Range Trail. If you ever encounter a black bear though, never interact or feed it. While they aren’t overly aggressive, they can attack.

Black bears are medium-sized bears in North America. They are smaller and less aggressive than brown grizzly bears. Although black bears are known for their dark coats, some have brown or cinnamon fur. Although small compared to other bears in the world, black bears can weigh as much as 600 pounds. Interstingly, these large animals mainly consume vegetation and fruit. Only about 5% of their diet includes meat or animal matter.

Wood Thrush

Birds and squirrels are some of the most common animals you can find on the Hoosac Range near the longest tunnel in Massachusetts. One of the most common birds is the wood thrush. The wood thrush is a small North American passerine bird with beautiful songs. The upper part of their bodies is brown with some lighter markings and their undersides are white.

Like most birds, the wood thrush is an omnivore and mainly consumes fruits, seeds, and larvae. This species is known to form unique mixed-species flocks where they defend their territory. Fun fact about the wood thrush, it’s been nicknamed “the bird with the most beautiful song in America.”

Where is the Hoosac Tunnel Located on a Map?

The Hoosac Tunnel is a 4.75-mile active railroad tunnel in western Massachusetts, that traverses through the Hoosac Range, which is an extension of Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Here is the Hoosac Tunnel on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © SevenMaps/Shutterstock.com