Today, I would like to show some pictures from our recent field trip. We visited The Tunnel Hill Heritage Center in Tunnel Hill, Georgia to see the historic Western and Atlantic Railroad tunnel. This railroad was extremely important during the Civil War. There is a house on the property, The Clisby Austin house, where General Sherman took up residence on his march to the sea. While we were there, we visited the museum and found some very interesting displays about the area. Tunnel Hill is right outside of Dalton, Georgia. Dalton is known as "The Carpet Capital of the World". 
This display about Key's Battery tells how they struggled to live through the elements and fight on.
There are displays of various Singer machines that were used in manufacturing bedspreads and other chenille products, which led to Dalton's designation as the carpet capital.
There were also displays of bedspreads that used to be on the roadside of Highway 41, which came to be known as "Peacock Alley".
This covered bridge leads to the railroad tunnel.
The Clisby Austin House- Right now the house is a private residence;however, it will soon be turned over to the historical society and available for touring.
This railroad was built to connect the Port of Augusta to the Tennessee River Valley. The construction began in 1848 and was dug through the base of Chetoogeta Mountain. The first Western and Atlantic train passed through the tunnel on May 9, 1850. The tunnel was the site of several historical events during the Civil War.
Due to larger train cars getting stuck in the tunnel, a new tunnel was built parallel to this tunnel, thus ending the use of this tunnel in 1928. The tunnel was facing possible destruction from seventy years of neglect, until in 1992 measures were taken to preserve it.
We enjoyed our field trip here and hope to come back in September for the battle reenactment.
Hope you enjoyed this Outdoor Wednesday. Be sure to check out the other posts at www.asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com.
Happy Wednesday!
Kim
5 comments:
Love this post!! We go on our field trips on Thursday and this past week we went to Fort Mountain State Park and then through Dalton into Chattanooga. We live in the North Georgia Mountains and love the area to go hiking and such. I think I will start posting our field trips on my blog as well! Great idea!!
Fun-filled adventures!
Raccoon State Park
We haven't been there in a while. The last time we went we only got to go into the tunnel. We'll have to check out the museum too. I know that will thrill the kids!
Looks like a great place to visit! I love history and going to places like The Tunnel Hill Heritage Center.
~ Tracy
I live near Tunnel Hill and have never been there. I need to get out more. Looks like a very interesting place.
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