The Uncompleted Blue Ridge Railroad
Rabun County, GA & Oconee Co, SC
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| In 1854, the Blue Ridge Railroad Company began work on the Charleston & Knoxville RR line, which was planned to ultimately become part of a Cincinnati, Louisville & Charleston RR. Work ceased after several years due to the impending Civil War, and didn't restart until 1869. Work was soon abandoned due to the South's depressed post-war economy. Attempts were made to complete the line in the late 1800s, but failed, even though 80% of the grade had been completed. Work was limited to Rabun Co., GA & Oconee Co., SC. Today, over 160 years later, much evidence of this venture remains for those who seek it out. Besides the cuts and fills/berms of the railroad grade itself, massive stone culverts, bridge abutments, and tunnels were built. The mountain terrain was a challenge, and five tunnels were built (or at least started), 3 in SC and 2 in GA. The most well-known of these is arguably the Stumphouse Tunnel near Walhalla, SC. Note: Photos are not in geographic order by route location, but in the order that I visited the sites. |
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