The Alpine Tunnel in Colorado holds a fascinating place in the state’s history. Built between 1880 and 1882, this tunnel was originally constructed to facilitate the transportation of miners, equipment, and minerals to and from Gunnison, Colorado. At the time of its completion, it was the highest railroad tunnel in North America and the first to cross the Continental Divide in Colorado. The project was both ambitious and costly, involving over 400 workers who endured challenging winter conditions, and it cost around $300,000 to complete.
Despite its significance, the Alpine Tunnel was closed and abandoned by 1910 due to a combination of accidents and other issues. As a result, it became a legendary relic of the past, with the tunnel itself eventually collapsing. One of the tunnel’s entrances has since been restored and is open to visitors during the summer months, though the tunnel itself remains buried beneath the earth.
The remnants of the Alpine Tunnel serve as a reminder of the challenges and ambitions of the mining boom era in Colorado, and the site’s ongoing restoration efforts help preserve its place in history. The area now offers a glimpse into the past, even as the tunnel itself remains shrouded in mystery.