Walhalla in Oconee County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
NE Middle Tunnel
Photographed by Tom Bosse, January 3, 2026
1. NE Middle Tunnel Marker
Inscription.
NE Middle Tunnel. . The salient map shows why such a small tunnel was necessary. At the 450 foot level, where the railroad was to be built, on the Eastern side of the Stumphouse Mountain, a projection of rock and earth [a salient], was blocking the construction of the road Being it was over 60 feet in height, a small tunnel was considered necessary. This was Middle Tunnel., This is the N.E. approach to the Middle Tunnel. It is interesting to note that the horizon in background is at an angle, thus indicating the angle of the salient projection. Also not that the trees in the foreground and vines to the right, block much of the original entrance to the approach. The company of Jones and Humbird was put under contract and began work on both Middle and Saddle tunnel about the beginning of November, 1856, having twenty workers., The actual N.E. portal to Middle Tunnel was located behind the rock and debris pile to the right of the picture. Again note the angle of the salient projection by the horizon in the background. This portal was blown up sometime during the 1950's., This picture was taken about 50 feet down the trail looking back at the N.E. approach to Middle Tunnel. Imagine you are looking directly ahead at the completed portal, bored into the salient at a point some 60 foot in height. The Middle Tunnel, which had been driven through and completed, only six months (April 1857), while only using picks, shovels and black powder. But due to finances, on January 1859, the heading of the Middle Tunnel was driven through, but the remainder would not be completed. , Photos by Ms. Frankie Townsend
The salient map shows why such a small tunnel was necessary. At the 450 foot level, where the railroad was to be built, on the Eastern side of the Stumphouse Mountain, a projection of rock and earth [a salient], was blocking the construction of the road Being it was over 60 feet in height, a small tunnel was considered necessary. This was Middle Tunnel.
This is the N.E. approach to the Middle Tunnel. It is interesting to note that the horizon in background is at an angle, thus indicating the angle of the salient projection. Also not that the trees in the foreground and vines to the right, block much of the original entrance to the approach. The company of Jones & Humbird was put under contract and began work on both Middle and Saddle tunnel about the beginning of November, 1856, having twenty workers.
The actual N.E. portal to Middle Tunnel was located behind the rock and debris pile to the right of the picture. Again note the angle of the salient projection by the horizon in the background. This portal was blown up sometime during the 1950's.
This picture was taken about 50 feet down the trail looking back at
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the N.E. approach to Middle Tunnel. Imagine you are looking directly ahead at the completed portal, bored into the salient at a point some 60 foot in height. The Middle Tunnel, which had been driven through and completed, only six months (April 1857), while only using picks, shovels and black powder. But due to finances, on January 1859, the heading of the Middle Tunnel was driven through, but the remainder would not be completed.
Photos by Ms. Frankie Townsend
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1856.
Location. 34° 48.52′ N, 83° 6.753′ W. Marker is in Walhalla, South Carolina, in Oconee County. It can be reached from Stumphouse Tunnel Road 0.4 miles east of South Carolina Route 28, on the right when traveling north. This marker is located along the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trailwithin the Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Walhalla SC 29691, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s and pstate, in the Foothills, in the Golden
Photographed by Tom Bosse, January 3, 2026
2. NE Middle Tunnel Marker
Corner. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 10, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
