This is the S.W. approach and portal to Middle Tunnel. It is interesting to note that in the 1850's, the engineering standards stated that if the obstacle encountered was sixty feet or greater in height, a tunnel as opposed to a cut was cheaper to . . . — — Map (db m291506) HM
You are facing the west entrance to the Middle Tunnel, which now lies within the Stumphouse Mountain Heritage Preserve (established in August 2008). This 385-foot tunnel was drilled by the Blue Ridge Railroad in 1856-1858 as part of their plan to . . . — — Map (db m291507) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m291508) HM
This map shows the Stumphouse Mountain range in the upper northwest portion of the picture and the somewhat parallel portion of the Turnip Top Mountain range in the southeastern quadrant of the picture. In between the two ranges is a small valley on . . . — — Map (db m291509) HM
