Union Canal Tunnel
N 40° 20.991 W 076° 27.610
18T E 375996 N 4467611
The marker is near the site of the Union Canal Tunnel, which goes under this ridge.
Waymark Code: WMA5M
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 04/09/2006
Views: 48
The marker is near the site of the Union Canal Tunnel, which goes under this ridge. The Tunnel is the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States. The Tunnel connects the Quittapahilla Creek and Clark's Run. The Tunnel was 729 feet long when it was completed in 1827. The length was reduced to 621 feet when the Tunnel was enlarged in 1858 to increase the ceiling height from 15 to 18 feet.
The Tunnel was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1970, and a National Historic Landmark on April 9, 1994. The Lebanon County Historical Society has restored the Tunnel to an operating status.
Marker Name: Union Canal Tunnel
County: Lebanon
Date Dedicated: 03/21/1947
Marker Type: Roadside
Location: At site on SR 4001 just west of Lebanon.
Category: Transportation, Canals, Navigation
Website: [Web Link]
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