Historic Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel

Historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel215 Clisby Austin Road, Tunnel Hill, Georgia 30755

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Heritage Center Museum

Explore the early heritage of Tunnel Hill, a small community just 5 miles north of Dalton in northwest Georgia. Native Americans, early settlers, the railroad and Civil War soldiers all left their mark in the land and with its people.

Displays include a timeline of the 1850 Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel restoration, Civil War artifacts from local family ancestry, Chenille bedspreads reminiscent of the glory days of the Old Dixie Highway that came through Tunnel Hill in the mid-1900's, and more.

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Clisby Austin House

Built in 1848 by the house's namesake, the Clisby Austin house is a prime example of the ante-bellum style of housing. It has experienced several interesting events since its construction, primarily during the Civil War.

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W & A Railroad Tunnel

Built to connect the Port of Augusta to the Tennessee River Valley, the 1477ft. tunnel through Chetoogeta Mountain was to be part of the first railroad across the Appalachian Mountains, and open trade between the eastern coast region and the upper Midwest.

Construction began on the tunnel in 1848, during which the city of Tunnel Hill sprung up from people moving here to supply accommodations to the railway workers.

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Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment

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The cannons blast, the horses charge, the soldiers give the Rebel yell as they clash in authentic conflict on the historic grounds of Tunnel Hill! This special event brings to life a past of good times coupled with harsh reality. There's nothing like it!Sutlers' tents, concessions, entertainment encampments, PLUS the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center and Historic Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel. Read more...

CLICK HERE TO SCAN A QR CODE AND ADD THE BATTLE OF TUNNEL HILL TO YOUR CALENDAR

Tunnel

Historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel

Construction began on the tunnel in 1848, during which the city of Tunnel Hill sprung up from people moving here to supply accommodations to the railway workers. The tunnel, which spans 1,477 feet, was dug through the base of Chetoogeta Mountain.On May 9, 1850, the first Western and Atlantic train passed through the mountain tunnel and the new town of Atlanta became one of the railway’'s major hubs. The tunnel became part of several historical events during the Civil War, before heavy railroad traffic and larger train cars getting stuck in the tunnel led to the building of a larger parallel tunnel, ending the use of the tunnel in 1928.The tunnel faced possible destruction from 70 years of neglect until, in 1992, steps were taken to preserve it. After a lengthy period of restoration and rehabilitation, the tunnel was opened to the public in 2000, just in time for its 150th anniversary.

Heritage Center Museum
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Heritage Center Museum

The Heritage Center Museum is your starting place when visiting the Tunnel Hill Heritage Park.Learn of the Clisby Austin family who settled the areaDiscover the steps to restoring one of the South's oldest railroad tunnelsSee how the American Civil War left its mark in Tunnel Hill following the Battle of Chickamauga and the planning of the Atlanta CampaignRemininsce on the glory days of the chenille bedspread industry and the Dixie Highway's nickname of "Peacock Alley"Temporary exhibits are also displayed at various times in the year.

Austin House

Clisby Austin House

Built in 1848 by the house's namesake, the Clisby Austin house is a prime example of the antebellum style of housing. It has experienced several interesting events since its construction, primarily during the Civil War. The house served as a hospital during the battle of Chickamauga. It was here that Confederate General John Hood was sent to recuperate after the amputation of his leg, which accompanied him along his journey (so it could be buried with him in case he died). The leg is buried near the house. The house also served as headquarters to William Sherman during the Battle of Dalton and it has been said that Sherman planned the final legs of the Atlanta Campaign here. The Austin family cemetery is located on a hill across from the house. Rebecca, mother of Clisby, has the only remaining headstone. It is believed that as many as 17 family members are buried there.Till Spring of 2011, the house has been a private residence, and visitors may continue to view the home all around from the picket fence, but stay tuned for annoucement of the house grand opening later this year! The springhouse is just a rock's throw from the house adds to the character of this antebellum heritage site.

Admission

Museum, Tunnel, HouseRegular Hours and AdmissionMonday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm; Closed Sunday(Closed for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Holidays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)==================Heritage Center Admission(cash, check and (NEW!) credit card~ sorry, debit card capability not available yet)Adults: $5.00Children 12 and under: $3.00Group discounts for 20 or more.Admission allows access to the Heritage Center's exhibit hall and Tunnel.
Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment Admission (event weekend only)Adults: $5.00Children 12-6: $3.00Under 6: Free(Cash preferred - check accepted)(Credit/debit card not available)Parking: Free (donations acceptetd)NOTE: Admission to the Heritage Center and Tunnel are included with the Reenactment fee.

Group Info

Tour Suggestions

Group Information

We customize each group tour or field trip to meet your group's interests. Below are some of the tours that our staff can provide.Civil War in Dalton & Northwest Georgia History of the Western & Atlantic Railroad History and Renovation of the Tunnel The Great Locomotive Chase - Andrews' Raid Chenille & Carpet Industry of Dalton & Northwest Georgia The Cherokee Indians Ecology of area and "What is Kudzu?" Junior "Engineer" Tours for Children ages 4-9 Teachers, a curriculum packet is available. _______________________________For details about School Day during the annual Battle of Tunnel Hill event, click HERE
WHO: Motorcoach, youth groups, church groups, scouts and school field trips are welcome!ADMISSION: Group rates of $3.00 per person are available for groups of twenty or more.RESERVE: Groups are asked to call ahead with a reservation at least two weeks before the desired visit date. This will allow us to have the adequate staff on hand to assist your group and insure you have a great experience during your visit.CUSTOMIZE: We customize each group tour or field trip to meet your group's interests.PARKING: Bus parking available.

Reenactment

Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment

Schedule
Sutlers and Vendors
School Day
Vendor-Reenactor-Film Info

Schedule

Reenactment Schedule

SEPTEMBER 8 - 9, 2012 RAIN OR SHINE!(Always the Weekend after Labor Day)Stay tuned to this page for details as they unfold in 2012!Also, if you aren't a fan of our Facebook page, click on the link at the top of the website join us there!

CLICK HERE TO SCAN A QR CODE AND ADD THE BATTLE OF TUNNEL HILL TO YOUR CALENDAR!

Sutlers and Vendors

Here's a list of just some of the sutlers and vendors who will be set up at Tunnel Hill:

(list will be updated as sutlers and vendors confirm)

Sutlers

Vendors

Wheel and Saber

256-390-0586

zwheelus_yahoo.com

Big Mack's Pig Shack

facebook.com/bigmackspigshack

The Corn Crib

may1001_windstream.net

A Timeless Grace

hlstanley1_gmail.com

www.atimelessgrace.com

A Timeless Grace is pleased to offer Period Quilled, Ruched or Pleated Ribbon Trim Workshops. This is a unique opportunity to learn how to create custom trims for bonnets, dresses, headbands and other items. All workshops will be taught by Miss Rosie at the Timeless Grace Sutler Tent. Visit their website for details.

Simply Southern Restaurant

706-673-7779

Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation

www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com

Loafers Glory Sutler

www.loafersglorysutler.com

Rum Creek Sutler

chuck1864_att.net

770-471-3621

www.rumcreeksutler.com

The Paper Lady

ThePaperLady_aol.com

www.facebook.com/thepaperlady

256-820-1186

School Day

The Friday before the Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment weekend, area school children are invited to participate in an educational living history experience. The Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation coordinates with the Whitfield County, Dalton City, and other area school systems to bring students in the elementary schools to the site for this annual event. Grades invited are at the discretion of the schools, and generally involve 4th or 5th grade, at whichever level Civil War/American History is pertinent to their curriculum.Other schools are welcome to inquire, as well as organized home school groups.Cost - $5.00/student and chaperones; teachers/bus drivers are freeEveryone receives a bottle of water and a ticket for free entry to the Reenactment on either Saturday or Sunday.More details will be posted as they unfold;All inquiries should be directed to Janet Cochran, tunnelhillfoundation_yahoo.com

Vendor-Reenactor-Film Info

Vendor and Reenactor Info

If you are interested in participating as a REENACTOR or SUTLER, please contact:Ken Sumner, Phone: 678-939-3679 Email: MtnRifles_msn.com or click HERE for more info about reenacting.********************************************************************************If you would like to participate as a VENDOR, or to VOLUNTEER, contact the Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation:tunnelhillfoundation_yahoo.com The Foundation’'s regulation concerning filming details of the Event for education, public use or financial gain:

Food Vendor Application.pdf

Film Agreement.pdf

Photos

Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment 2011

Click on the photos to enlarge, and click again to go back to the gallery. All photos are credited to Bradley Putnam unless otherwise noted.

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Foundation

Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation

The Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation was formed in the early 1990’s by local citizens, who by their thoughtful giving of time, effort and funds, are helping to preserve and promote the heritage of Tunnel Hill and Northwest Georgia.

The Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment began as an effort to raise funds and awareness in order to save and restore the historic Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel. A local land owner adjacent to the tunnel donated the use of his property to host the Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment, now one of the area’s most popular events. Excitement continued to build and local governments joined in to help develop the area as it is today. Many thanks go to the Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation members who provide and maintain the displays in the Heritage Center.

Meetings

The Foundation generally meets at 7:30pm the second Tuesday of each month at the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center with a few exceptions as noted below. You don’t have to be a member to attend, so schedule a visit on your calendar and come see what we're all about!

(Note: No meeting in September due to Battle of Tunnel Hill Civil War Reenactment. December meeting is a Christmas covered dish dinner social.)

Benefits

In appreciation for your support, the Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation is pleased to extend the following privileges:

Free admission to the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center

10% discount on items purchased at the museum

Membership Levels

Individual - $20.00

Family - $25.00

(Ask about opportunity for sponsorship!)

For more information about the Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation,

Click here to send an e-mail

or write to:

Tunnel Hill Historical Foundation

P. O. Box 114

Tunnel Hill, GA 30755

Contact Info

Email Us:

Heritage Center Museum

215 Clisby Austin Road

Tunnel Hill, Georgia

706-876-1571

Monday - Saturday

9:00am - 5:00pm

Links

Dalton Civil War 150th

Bandy Heritage Center

Tri-State Civil War 150th

The Civil War in Georgia - Commemorating 150 Years

Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails, Inc.

Blue and Gray Trail of Northwest Georgia

The Civil War Discovery Trail

Chickamauga Campaign Trail

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Alabama Division of Reenactors, Inc.

Civil War Traveler

Prater's Mill

Dalton Depot

Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park

Gordon Lee Mansion

Lee and Gordon's Mills

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Battle of Resaca

Booth Western Art Museum

Button Willow Church Civil War Dinner Theatre

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Dalton Area Visitor Information

NW GA's Historic High Country - Land of Sights and Legends

Explore Georgia - official State travel website

Dalton/Tunnel Hill Weather

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All Rights Reseved 706-876-1571 9am - 5pm Mon-Sat

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Tunnel

Heritage Center Museum

Austin House

Admission

Group Info

Reenactment

Photos

Foundation

Contact Us

Links

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