Tunnel Hill, Georgia USA
The small town of Tunnel Hill is located in northwest Georgia, USA. The town was
incorporated as "Tunnelsville" in 1848. The town boosts interesting structures
and the annual Civil War re-enactment. Numurous homes
dating back over one hundred years, some being Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, Ante-Bellum,
Colonial Revival, Folk Victorian style and churches dating back to 1894.
Troops on field during battle
(picture made by Bradley Putnam)
In the early 1950's, Tunnel Hill was a part of the "Peacock Alley", with US
Hwy 41 being lined with chenille products. A five mile stretch of highway 41 sported some
20 plus "Spead Lines".
Taken early 1950, operated by Elbert and Georgia Lee Putnam
(picture furnished by Bradley Putnam)
SOME SITES OF TUNNEL HILL
The Tunnel...(See above) The tunnel was completed in 1850, the first railroad
tunnel built south of the Mason-Dixon line. It runs through nearby Chetogetta Mountain.
The tunnel is 1477 feet in length and took nearly two years to build. On completion, a
great celebration was held with bottles of wine being used to christen the tunnel. Holy
water was also poured out at both ends of the tunnel. The first train passed through on
May 9, 1850. The tunnel played a role in the "Great Locomotive Chase" that
began in Big Shanty, Georgia (now Kennesaw) and ended near Ringgold, Georgia.
The State of Georgia deeded the property
surrounding the tunnel to the city of Tunnel Hill in 1996. Construction of a park near the
tunnel, allowing visitors to view the tunnel is underway.
Clisby Austin House...Construction in 1848 is a prime example of
an Ante-Bellum style. The house was converted for the care of the wounded during the Civil
War, with General John Bell Hood being
the most renowed patient. According to legend, his leg is buried in the family cemetery.
The house served as headquarters for General William T. Sherman. The house is now fully
restored and the annual Civil War re-enactment is held on its grounds.
Built in 1848, re-enactment held on grounds
(picture furnished by Bradley Putnam)
Tunnel Hill Cemetery...Dating back to June 22, 1876. There are several Civil
War soilders interred here. The Tunnel Hill Women's Club, founded in April, 1936, pays a
caretaker to keep the cemetery.
Foster Cemetery...Gift of Absolem Foster to the community. Destined to be the
resting place for many pioneer families. He was buried here in 1891. The remains of
southern soilders who perished in Tunnel Hill hospitals during the Civil War are thought
to be interred here.
Depot...Located in the old section of Tunnel Hill about 3000 feet
from the tunnel. Building is now occupied by Conagra Poultry Co.
Post card picture from collection of Bradley Putnam
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation, Inc., A non-profit organization, sponsors an
authentic Civil War re-enactment held annually on the weekend following Labor Day. The
host unit is the 35th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, CO. F. The event is held on the
grounds of the Clisby Austin House.
Send email for more information to the Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation: .
Or visit the official
Tunnel
Hill Historical Foundation Web site at
http://www.tunnelhillhistoricalfoundation.com
