Paw Paw Tunnel | Hagerstown

The Paw Paw Tunnel is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 19th century along the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, located near Oldtown, Maryland, just east of Paw Paw, West Virginia. This tunnel extends 3,118 feet (approximately 0.6 miles) beneath the rugged terrain of the Allegheny Mountains, making it the longest man-made tunnel on the entire canal system. Constructed between 1836 and 1850, the tunnel was built to bypass a winding six-mile stretch of the Potomac River known as the “Paw Paw Bends,” which contained five sharp horseshoe turns that slowed canal traffic dramatically.

Historical Context and Construction Challenges

The C&O Canal was designed to connect the coal fields of western Maryland to the markets in Washington, D.C., facilitating transportation of goods in an era before railroads dominated. The Paw Paw Bends posed a major obstacle to efficient navigation. The decision to construct a tunnel through the mountain was an ambitious and costly undertaking.

Originally estimated to take just two years and cost $33,500, the project faced numerous technical and human challenges that extended its timeline to 14 years and caused costs to balloon to over $600,000-a massive sum for the time. Workers contended with unstable rock formations, flooding, and poor ventilation inside the tunnel during excavation. The workforce was primarily composed of immigrant laborers-Irish, German, and English-who endured difficult and often dangerous conditions, leading to tensions and occasional violence.

The tunnel was carefully lined with more than four million bricks, constructed using hand tools and black powder for blasting. Key features like “weep holes” were incorporated into the walls to drain groundwater and maintain structural integrity. Brass plaques mark every 100 feet along the interior, serving as distance markers and reminders of the immense scale of the project.

Tunnel Structure and Features

The tunnel is roughly 20 feet wide and 12 feet high, allowing the canal boats, pulled by mules along the towpath, to pass through the mountain. Inside the tunnel, a narrow towpath is present for the mules, while boats floated in the water-filled canal beside it. Rope burns on the walls bear witness to the mules’ repeated trips hauling boats through the tunnel.

Although the tunnel is unlit, natural light filters in faintly at both ends. Visitors today must bring flashlights to safely navigate its dark interior. The canal water inside remains calm and quiet, offering an eerie yet fascinating glimpse into 19th-century canal transportation.

Access and Visitor Experience

Visitors can access the tunnel from the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, located near milepost 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath. From here, it is about a half-mile walk south to the tunnel entrance at milepost 155.2. The trail leading to the tunnel is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding forested hills.

Inside the tunnel, the path is uneven and damp, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Bicyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes through due to the tunnel’s narrow width and lack of lighting. The tunnel is safe to walk but caution is advised because of slippery surfaces and occasional water seepage.

For visitors who want to explore beyond the tunnel, the nearby Tunnel Hill Trail offers a two-mile roundtrip hike with stunning panoramic views of the Paw Paw Bends on the Potomac River. This trail climbs above the tunnel, providing an excellent vantage point to appreciate the dramatic landscape the canal engineers sought to avoid.

Surrounding Area and Attractions

The Paw Paw Tunnel area sits near the small town of Paw Paw, West Virginia, which has a number of historic sites reflecting the region’s rich heritage. These include the Old Mayor’s Office and Lockup (circa 1893), the 1928 two-room Black schoolhouse, and the 1882 Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Depot. A short paved trail and bridge link the town to the towpath across the Potomac River, enabling easy exploration of both sides.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The tunnel is more than just a transportation structure; it symbolizes the determination, skill, and endurance of early American laborers and engineers. Its successful completion helped ensure the economic viability of the C&O Canal during its operational years, aiding commerce and settlement in the mid-Atlantic region.

Today, the Paw Paw Tunnel is preserved as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. It attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to experience a unique piece of engineering history while enjoying hiking, biking, and natural beauty.

Summary

The Paw Paw Tunnel stands as a monumental testament to 19th-century ingenuity and labor. Its long and difficult construction reflects the challenges of early industrial America, and its continued preservation allows visitors to step back in time and explore an essential link in the transportation history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Combining natural scenery, historical artifacts, and outdoor recreation, the tunnel offers an immersive and memorable experience for all who visit.