Tunnelton: Railroad History and Rail Trail

Explore Tunnelton through different aspects of its railroad history: from the origin of the town’s name to the depot and museum, tunnel, and viaduct. There are also trails to explore, including a section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail and a fitness trail in Tunnelton Trailhead Park. When planning your visit, it helps to consider the historic sites and trails as separate points of interest.

Railroad and Local History

Tunnelton takes its name from its location at the eastern end of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Kingwood Tunnel. The original tunnel was just under 4,100 feet long and was closed and sealed in 1962. The name, structure, and closure thus belong to different chapters of local railroad history: the name refers to the tunnel, while its length and the year it was closed provide further context about its construction and history.

The Tunnelton Depot is an exceptional example of early 20th-century railroad architecture. The Tunnelton Railroad Depot stands between the CSX Railroad main line and Boswell Street. Its historical significance lies in its role as a transportation hub: that role influenced the development and growth of Tunnelton and much of Preston County, West Virginia. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its architecture, location, and historical significance each offer a different perspective on the building.

The Tunnelton Train Depot Museum is a beautifully restored 1912 railway station. It once served as a busy stop on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The museum displays artifacts from the station’s earlier days, when it handled passengers, freight, and U.S. mail. The exhibits thus reflect the station’s different functions: passenger service, freight transport, and mail handling. Railroad history enthusiasts can learn about these former functions as well as see the building itself.

Rail Trail and Local Trails

The WV Northern Rail-Trail Corridor is a 10-mile rail trail connecting communities along the route between Kingwood and Tunnelton. A southern section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail is also open in Tunnelton. This section is open, is not connected to the rest of the trail, and is being extended. The corridor and the Tunnelton section are therefore separate trail details to keep in mind when planning your visit.

The first mile of the trail at the Tunnelton end has been newly resurfaced. Since trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the latest conditions before visiting. Tunnelton Trailhead Park also has a 5K fitness trail. The old railroad pump house and maintenance buildings have also been painted by local residents and young people working with regional artists. The park thus combines a trail with painted structures connected to the railroad.

Viaduct and Historical Connections

The Tray Run Viaduct is located on Route 72 in Tunnelton. It is the bridge depicted on the back of the West Virginia State Seal and can be viewed in late fall or early spring. The depot and viaduct represent different aspects of railroad history: the depot is associated with its architecture and former role as a transportation hub, among other things, while the viaduct is also depicted on the state seal.

You can explore Tunnelton according to your interests: the museum displays artifacts from the town’s railroad days, while the rail trail and fitness trail offer trails as a separate focus. The stated season for viewing the viaduct is especially relevant when planning your visit; for the trail, it is worth checking current conditions. Discover more destinations: Terra Alta, Kingwood.

For the overview of the wider area: Preston County.