Go to: Message List•New Topic•Search
Alexandria VA's Wilkes Street Tunnel
Author: WebDigger
Date: 12-31-2020 - 00:10

https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/700x/cdn.onlyinyourstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-673401198-700x464.jpg
"It was May of 1851 when the Wilkes Street Tunnel first went into operation as a crucial part of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Alexandria was an important waterfront destination and housed many warehouses and wharves on the Potomac. The Wilkes Street Tunnel, with its sandstone vaulted walls, served an important role in both the Civil War and WWI. The tracks continued to operate until 1975 and afterward were removed so that the tunnel could be used as a pedestrian and bike pathway."
-- [www.onlyinyourstate.com]

"It was used in both the Civil War and World War I as a major connector between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia."
-- [www.atlasobscura.com]

"The O&A R.R. figures prominently in the history of the Civil War. Following the invasion of Virginia in May 1861, the Union seized control of the railroads in Alexandria, including the O&A R.R. The O&A R.R., which generally fell under Federal control close to Washington and north of the Rappahannock River, played a critical role in moving supplies for the Union Army, and Alexandria became the hub. A steady flow of U.S. Military Railroad trains passed through the Wilkes Street Tunnel on their way to and from the wharves along the Potomac. The Confederates controlled and operated other portions of the railroad. During the course of the war, sections of the railroad fell into and out of Union hands, or were abandoned when the armies moved elsewhere. Manassas Junction, where the O&A R.R. and Manassas Gap Railroad met, played a key part in both the First and Second Manassas Campaigns."

"Another vestige of the O&A in Alexandria is the stone arched Hoof's Run Bridge. Built in 1856, it is now traversed by Jamieson Avenue." [In the comments]
-- [dclawyeronthecivilwar.blogspot.com]

Previously on AP [www.altamontpress.com] about 7% down the page.

Navigate: Previous Message•Next Message
Options: Reply To This Message•Quote This Message


Subject Written By Date/Time (PST)
  Alexandria VA's Wilkes Street Tunnel WebDigger 12-31-2020 - 00:10
  More about the Orange and Alexandria Railroad WebDigger 01-01-2021 - 17:24
  Re: More about the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Hillwilliam 01-03-2021 - 12:14


Go to: Message List•Search
Subject: 
Your Name: 
Spam prevention:
Please, enter the code that you see below in the input field. This is for blocking bots that try to post this form automatically.
 ********   ********  ********   **     **   *******  
 **     **  **        **     **  ***   ***  **     ** 
 **     **  **        **     **  **** ****  **        
 **     **  ******    **     **  ** *** **  ********  
 **     **  **        **     **  **     **  **     ** 
 **     **  **        **     **  **     **  **     ** 
 ********   **        ********   **     **   *******
This message board is maintained by:Altamont Press
You can send us an email at altamontpress1@gmail.com