Howard Tunnel - York County, Pennsylvania
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member deano1943
N 39° 53.518 W 076° 44.945
18S E 350459 N 4417230
Howard Tunnel was built in 1836-37, and was made wider to accomodate two tracks in 1865.
Waymark Code: WMAPT
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 04/17/2006
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Rose Red
Views: 82

When the York and Maryland Line Railroad Company built the railroad from the Maryland state line to York, Pennsylvania it ran into a ninty foot high barrier of solid slate which extended to the very edge of the South Branch of the Codorus Creek, and the barrier was about 275 feet thick at its most narrow point.

A young civil engineer and mining specialist by the name of Howard suggested a tunnel right through the 275 foot thick wall. This is precisly what the railroad company did.

The tunnel was named for the young Mr. Howard.

In the railroads last years of operation it was owned by Northern Central Railroad Company.
Street address: PA USA

County / Borough / Parish: York County, Pennsylvania

Year listed: 1995

Historic (Areas of) Significance: Engineering and Mining

Periods of significance: 1836 - 1837

Historic function: Tunnel was shortest route for the railroad.

Current function: Tunnel is used by the "Heritage Rail Trail County Park."

Privately owned?: no

Hours of operation: From: 7:00 AM To: 6:00 PM

Primary Web Site: [Web Link]

Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]

Season start / Season finish: Not listed

Secondary Website 2: Not listed

National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
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