The River in Stumphouse Tunnel in Black and White

by Kelly Hazel

Title

The River in Stumphouse Tunnel in Black and White

Artist

Kelly Hazel

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Stumphouse Tunnel was proposed in order to create a shorter route from Charleston, SC to the Ohio River Valley area for the Blue Ridge Railroad company. Construction for the railway began in the mid 1850's and went smoothly across most of South Carolina until it hit the rocky terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Walhalla and Oconee counties.

Construction on the actual tunnel began in 1856 and by 1859, only 1,600 feet of the proposed 5,863 feet of the proposed length had been excavated. Having spent more than one million dollars on the tunnel in less than 4 years, South Carolina refused to fund more work and the tunnel was abandoned.

In the 1950's, nearly 100 years after the tunnel was abandoned, Clemson University began using Stumphouse Tunnel to make Blue Cheese, but that facility was relocated in the 1970's and the Tunnel was again abandoned.

Today, Stumphouse Tunnel is part of a park managed by the city of Walhalla. The temperature in the tunnel is a consistent 58F and water constantly "rains" from the walls and ceiling creating a shallow river along the floor. The cave is substantially lighter in the afternoon when the angle of the sun allows far more light to enter the cave. In the mornings, it is nearly pitch black and difficult to see even your hand in front of your face when looking toward the back of the tunnel! The tunnel stands about 50 feet tall and was carved entirely by hand with the use of pick axes. Ax marks are still clearly visible on the floor surface.

Also in the park are Issaqueena Falls and hiking trails that lead to the remains of 2 other partially completed tunnels which were to be part of the same railway. Those tunnels are much smaller, and you cannot go into them.

All of the tunnels are now home to healthy bat populations which are very important to our ecosystem. Due to the spread of white nose syndrome in bats across the US, it is advised not to wear shoes into Stumphouse Tunnel that have been worn in other caves.

Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, and the surrounding Mountain Rest areas are rich in history and natural beauty.

Uploaded

May 19th, 2016

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