Last updated: November 11, 2023
Place
Staple Bend Tunnel
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
The trailhead for the Staple Bend Tunnel is located in Mineral Point, PA
Significance:
First railroad tunnel in America.
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places
Amenities
1 listed
Bicycle - Rack
Your two-mile journey has paid off. You’ve made it to the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in America. Hopefully you didn’t forget your flashlight, because there are many interesting things to see inside. If you’re biking, please walk your bike through the tunnel for safety. The Staple Bend Tunnel opened in 1834 and allowed the tracks of the Portage to bypass a long bend in the Little Conemaugh River. Mainly Irish and Welsh workers constructed the tunnel by hand-drilling long holes which were then filled with black powder. Once a series of holes were drilled and blasted, the broken stone was carted out and used as fill on other sections of the railroad. The tunnel was excavated from each end and the two crews met in the middle. On Christmas of 1832, a large party was held at the tunnel on this occasion of “holing through” and the contractors, officials, and workers made many toasts in celebration. Amazingly no workers were killed in the tunnel during its construction, but at least 4 people were killed inside as the result of careless accidents during the operation of the Portage. The tunnel was abandoned in 1852 as the first section of the New Portage Railroad, which bypassed the inclines, was opened. The restored tunnel reopened in 2001 when this trail was completed. Enjoy your time exploring the tunnel and be careful on your return to the parking lot.