Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum

The Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum, located in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, is a museum that showcases a variety of railroad and Civil War artifacts. The museum tells the story of Tunnel Hill, from its early days before the city was chartered to the renovation and reopening of the historic Western & Atlantic Railroad tunnel in 2000.

Visitors to the museum can enjoy a cell phone guided tour, where local experts provide access to an audio guide that explains the exhibits. You can explore the museum at your own pace and take as many pictures as you like. The museum also offers tours that include admission to the exhibits.

The Clisby Austin House, built in 1848, is a significant part of the museum's history. Used as an army field hospital during the Civil War, the house has had multiple owners over the years before being generously donated to Whitfield County. The museum also features a recreated general store, reminiscent of the old-time stores that were once bustling meeting places for people from all walks of life.

The museum also highlights the history of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which was completed in 1850 and played a crucial role in connecting Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Atlanta, Georgia. The railroad tunnel, spanning 1,477 feet, witnessed important events during the Civil War and was eventually replaced by a larger tunnel in 1928.

As the tunnel approaches its 170th anniversary in 2020, the museum invites visitors to explore this engineering marvel and learn about the rich history of Tunnel Hill. Visit the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum to take a step back in time and experience the fascinating story of this historic site.