Train Ventilation Shafts in Cowan, Tennessee

Come along with me as I explore the Cowan Tunnel, or Cumberland Mountain Tunnel, and its ventilation shafts near Cowan, Tennessee.
The tunnel was built by the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad Company and was completed in 1852 with the tracks laid in 1853 with a total length of 2,200 ft (670 m). The strategically important tunnel, part of the rail linkage between the Midwestern United States and the Southeastern United States, played a vital role during the American Civil War. It was considered a major engineering feat at the time. It is still operational and owned by CSX Railroad.[2] The tunnel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Construction on the tunnel began in 1849 and was completed in 1852 with the tracks completed in 1853. Work was undertaken by slaves, Irish immigrants, and local workers with Swiss engineers. Three ventilation shafts approximately 170 ft (52 m) deep were created during the construction to facilitate air circulation, provide additional work areas, and to enable evacuation of steam and smoke from the steam locomotives during use. The importance of the tunnel was recognized during the American Civil War with both sides fighting over but never destroying the tunnel. The use of the tunnel continues today with freight trains frequently running through it.
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[@skyclimber3934]

So cool! Didn't know these even existed. Quite the engineering feat for the time, still functional and in good shape for their age! Thanks for the video and info and even got a train going thru too.👍

[@paulplatt5074]

That was strange. I had no clue that existed.

[@tag_caver]

TAG legends 😂... We've always wanted to map them!

[@Dimitri-Jordania]

Did yall go in the tunnels? And it looks like some of the vents had older shafts already cut into them, but not connected downwards w/train tunnel. What's up with that?

[@tag_caver]

No, it would not be safe to enter the tunnels. I am not sure about the others you mention

[@dannywalker1635]

I was wondering if rocks from the wall of that tunnel ever fall down onto the tracks. I am sure they have. I bet years ago smoke and steam from the trains would be visible rising from those shafts.

[@tag_caver]

I saw no evidence of rock fall

[@Richard-xu4cj]

Cowan tunnel?

[@jerry4256]

Really surprised they are not grated.

[@tag_caver]

No need