Old Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel and Clisby Austin House
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N 34° 50.289 W 085° 02.344
16S E 679302 N 3856847
Old Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel and Clisby Austin House Tunnel Hill, Georgia has several historic sites located on it's grounds.
Waymark Code: WM2JJT
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 11/12/2007
Views: 144
Tunnel Hill, Georgia also known as Tunnelsville has a very interesting history. The Western & Atlantic Railroad built a 1447 foot tunnel through Chetoogeta Mountain. Completed in 1850, it was the first railroad tunnel south of the Mason-Dixon Line. It was part of a plan that connected existing lines from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. The railroad would end at the tunnel that was still being built. Passengers and supplies would then be portaged over the mountain to the other side. The town of Tunnel Hill was formed as a result. In 1848 Clisby Austin built a hotel and the town of Tunnel Hill was incorporated that same year.
In April of 1862, the tunnel witnessed The Great Locomotive Chase. The General a Confederate steam locomotive, stolen by Union "engine thieves" with the Texas in pursuit passed through the tunnel.
During the battle of Chickamauga 1863, the Clisby Austin House was used as a confederate hospital. Gen. John Bell Hood was injured during the battle and had one of his legs amputated, he and his leg were sent to the Clisby Austin House. Hood recovered from his wounds and his leg was buried in the family cemetery near the house.
In 1864 the tunnel was captured by union troops and the house was used as the headquarters for Maj. Gen W.T. Sherman. From this house Sherman planned his Atlanta Champaign.
Today the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center has on display many exhibits depicting the history of Tunnel Hill.
Type of site: Battlefield
Address:
Tunnel Hill Heritage Center and Clisby Austin House
Clisby Austin Road PO Box 114
Tunnel Hill, GA USA
30755
Phone Number: 706-876-1571
Admission Charged: $5 or less
Website: [Web Link]
Driving Directions:
From I-75, exit 336 - Highway 41 at Rocky Face: go north on Hwy 41 approximately 4 miles to Tunnel Hill. Just before crossing bridge over railroad tracks, turn right onto Oak Street. Go approximately 1/2 mile, when road curves, continue straight on Clisby Austin Road, Center is on the left.
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