Abandoned Train/Mining Tunnel & Unique Remains (Williamstown Tunnel)

[@alantorrance6153]

At 13:17 VANDALISM - Breaking the stalagmite. You should be ashamed of yourself. Leave geological features alone!

[@JPVideos81]

Its ice...

[@Mscross]

Vandalism? OMG...🤣😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@lauran6935]

Hahahahahahaha it’s ice ice baby....too cold, too cold

[@auaiao9]

@Benaiah Ahmadinejad good heavens shut up.

[@bradhanks3519]

Dammit, Alan! Now I won't be able to get that tune out of my mind. Ice, ice, baby!

[@TheMilman26]

Yes, the information is correct. The tunnel shown is on the Bear Valley side (Southwest of Valley View, PA) and that is area where the coal came from and was transported through the tunnel to the Williamstown side where the breaker and the train branch lines were located. The Williamstown breaker was once the biggest coal producing breaker in the world by tonnage (on record) in the early 1900s. My uncle and father worked in the breaker as breaker boys. Also, in the early days (1900s), people would ride the tunnel cars from the Bear Valley settlements to Williamstown and back. The large steel portal face (prior Kimmel mine) shown earlier was directed by the state to be removed (2022). Coal is still being removed today about 1/2 mile from there on the Williamstown side further up the mountain. Active deep mines are also located in Bear Valley as well as strip mining. "Rumors" to the eventual tunnel closing (blown shut) was long after the coal use was put to an end but was still open and rumors abound such as a car chase in the late 1940s or early 1950s with local police where they raced through the tunnel.

[@tracyjohnson2992]

Hi This is the first video i have seen of yours and its very interesting, the Channel you are standing by the long channel was probably from the big Wheel that was used to hoist the coal to the top of the hill. The pilons behind the structure were used as supports for very long cables so the wheel housing would be structurally sound and not fall over there are the center of the wheel supports on either side of where the wheel would sit the wheel was probable 50 feet in diameter. There is still a lot of coal veins in that tunnel, there is probably enough there to last for a very long time, unfortunately coal isn't used much today because of the environmental damage in the production and burning of the coal. Thanks for sharing this has been very interesting. Please stay safe while your out on explorations like these. Stay safe and God bless.

[@bevkenny1843]

I can tell you are absolutely buzzing for this tunnel. Your face says it all and I even see a smile peeking as well. The suspense is awesome. This is my favourite vid so far! Wow. Blood sweat and tears went into that tunnel! Amazing! Thank you so much 😊

[@JPVideos81]

I dont think you caught a smile, must of been the sun in my eyes haha.

[@kennethkendrick4795]

Incredible! I wasn't even remotely aware that places like this still existed. Thank you so much for your stellar exploration and hard work.

[@karenfarmer6309]

You and Cliff are 2 of the bravest men I know! And to think you do it to bring us some of the best exploration videos on KZbin! I think you two make a great team, thankyou so much for another exciting video! Stafe safe and God bless ya both! 😉

[@JPVideos81]

We seem to push each other with every new video haha.

[@karenfarmer6309]

@@JPVideos81 Trust me it shows!! ❤

[@ralphbenites1819]

Way better than school.history field trips.🚌

[@JPVideos81]

👍

[@wendymarker8005]

My husband is from Ligonier PA. We have visited the railroad museum. And Coke road where we found a bunch of Coke ovens. Such neat history. Thank you for doing this

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for checking out the video.

[@auntmayme8119]

Five thumbs up! Spelunkers and tunnel diggers. History buffs on the move. From your videos, I am always impressed by the ingenuity of man to fulfill a need. Working out ways to pass coal through tunnels, or whatever. Your videos bring a different alternative to the “Take it all down and waste it” methods we have today. By the way, there was a man in Blossburg, PA by the name of Keith Linde who probably could have told you all about those tunnels and what they were for. A very knowledgeable person who knew first hand what it meant to be a coal miner. Sad to say he’s passed away. Hopefully you will come across other like him who will help you.

[@JPVideos81]

Ty

[@debbieharrison8424]

Very interesting. My husband was a coal miner for 37 years. My dad was also. I had the opportunity to go in an underground coal mines. Of course they were not running coal. It really gave me a lot more respect for people that choose coal mining as a job. I to think you all were brave to go into the tunnel. Good luck on your future adventures.

[@JPVideos81]

Ty

[@ElementofKindness]

That "hoist house" I can almost guarantee that the 7' deep slot was where a huge flywheel was housed. The "notch" you walked through would have been the bearing block supports. Whether it would have been for a steam engine or primitive internal combustion, I wouldn't know without studying the site myself. Also it's function is unknown from what little I can gather from the video, but could have been multi-use, (hoist, air compressor, and/or water evacuation pumps) as making the most of a single boiler would be the most efficient. Edit: 34:08 Oh, I see headframe foundations behind you. So at very least, a hoisthouse.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for sharing

[@garyreed6237]

It was part of the main hoist for the unsorted coal fresh out of the mines. The breaker structure was like six stories tall. For a time it was the world's largest Anthracite breaker even bigger than similar in Wales.

[@harleyboy1119]

I love these videos of old ruins, I have learned so much history about our own state of PA ... thanks for sharing

[@JPVideos81]

There's so much more than people are aware of.

[@garyreed6237]

JP. They did mine their way through the mountain and the Williamstown tunnel served dual purpose. It was intentionally backfilled when the State aquired the property. I know, I live 12 miles down 209 from Williamstown. My Pappy on my Mom's side worked there back in the Day. He worked in the Lykens and Hegins mines to.

[@karenpacker8862]

Amazing tunnels and large structure! Thanks for going all the way out for us!!!

[@oneshot8726]

So cool!!! The craftsmanship in that tunnel is just amazing!!! They don't and probably can't build anything like that today. Thanks for another great video!!!

[@JPVideos81]

Very true

[@sheapiland8779]

What a cool place to explore! Love the tunnel (what you can see of it) and it's a shame that it has collapsed. I can only imagine how pretty it was when first built. Glad y'all didn't get stuck inside. Great video, thoroughly enjoyed exploring with you guys.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks shea

[@shirleybraithwaite2940]

Very interesting thank you

[@davidotto7666]

Hey I just want to say hi and say hi to guy that has the Jeep oh Bob I'm just so glad to see that you're hanging out in The Woodsman he's from my area that's pretty cool I'm from the Poconos Pennsylvania Stroudsburg actually but I think that's pretty cool the woodsman's always an area and now he gets to hang out with you that's super cool thank you for showing us that awesome content is such a pleasure thank you again God bless you have a blessed day

[@donnicholas7552]

Very cool! I was surprised to see all that coal in the tunnel. Cliff sure has a lot of guts! I'd never crawl into those tight spaces. Also glad there was no vandalism or graffiti.

[@JPVideos81]

I wanted to crawl in, but i know my size limits lol.

[@cathybrault5056]

Thanks for taking "us" into that tunnel!!! A little nerve racking but really enjoyed the exploration of it!!! Interesting stories of the mining operation!!! Til the next explore, stay safe!

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome cathy. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@edithdavis2848]

Another great find, thanks Cliff for taking j in. Loved it, those beginning stalagmites were beautifil, thought they were broken bottles when first saw them laying there...Take care guys. Want you around for a long time.

[@davebeckley2584]

That is pretty cool. Even with the remnants of the workings, it is still hard to imagine the amount of activity during its period of operation. One thing other explorers should note is that you guys actually used hard hats. There are so many KZbin videos where people explore caves, mine shafts, and even above-ground buildings wearing tennis shoes and baseball hats and are dependent on their cell phones for light. Of course, a hard hat won't protect from a 500-pound boulder releasing from the back of a shaft, but it may help identify where you took your last breath.

[@hootinouts]

The stone masonry is awesome. So nice to see you to fellows teaming up on an adventure.

[@nancyford4536]

Glad you guys teamed up! Interesting video, thank you both.

[@lauran6935]

You guys need a road trip to St Catharines, Ontario (Canada and 10 mins from the Falls) to explore the old Welland Canal “Blue Ghost Tunnel”. It’s a long hike in but amazing!

[@pattyroosa1712]

Those bricks sure stood the test of time. 🙂 Neat how they curved so well.

[@JesterBandito]

This is the greatest tunnel exploration of all time.

[@janedoe9421]

I see the brick lined wall and ceiling and think....wow the time it took to do that. I find such beauty in things like that. Beautiful pics JP. Awesome find thanks for taking us along!! Be safe✌☘

[@JPVideos81]

And its still standing in good shape after all this time.

[@kyleshores432]

and here we see the wandering woodsmen emerging from his burrow after a cold week lol

[@pgtmr2713]

Ha ha my mind went to Ace Ventura 2, "the rhino scene." kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJmVmqyGotqWfM0

[@suzieaustin.5905]

Everything was ok till he hopes no snakes 😊😅🛣️!!!

[@CookerOfFaith]

I like how you incorporate still photos in your videos, especially of the original places.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for noticing.

[@galvaceci6498]

The North end of the tunnel is gorgeous. I have such a fear of mines and tunnels. I truly appreciate your efforts and time to crawl into these areas not knowing what is on the other side. The large ruin's are very cool as well. Are the pipes air shafts in the old ruin's? It's unique for sure. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@JPVideos81]

Its hard to tell what the pipes are for given that this tunnel was used for more than one reason.

[@patigiddens1314]

I'm pretty sure a couple years ago I watched a video of a couple of people exploring in the tunnel. I wasn't filled in at the time. Thanks cool find!

[@dedriapettus9637]

Love your videos... Keep it clean & I'll keep watching!! Good job!!

[@JPVideos81]

You got it!

[@mathasanbouchawang]

This is incredible.it's really feel sad to see such a beautiful and well constructed timing consuming place is being abandoned

[@southernman5839]

PA seems to be full of history and abandon places compared to other states. I love the videos and history .

[@barbara-pigeonbray4579]

An amazing explore . Love the old photos mixed in with the video....The "lego room " is intriguing for sure. ...can't imagine it's use. Awesome job ... Love following you guys around . "D.B. Cooper bones "?.......lol. You've done it again, Jay.. great adventure.

[@JPVideos81]

Anythings possible haha

[@naomimade]

It used to be filled with water..a power plant for the mine?

[@abandonedpast6410]

Cool video. The photo of Cliffs' silhouette at the tunnel portal, 7:07 I think, really coool. Another awesome find.

[@JPVideos81]

This place made for some great photo opportunities.

[@abandonedpast6410]

This and the other ruins you explored has given me motivation to go to some mill and railroad structure ruins I have not been to in 20 years...

[@JPVideos81]

@@abandonedpast6410 get out there. Old railroad items are always a favorite among many people.

[@wyattnordin9263]

Awesome explore! I have always had a great interest in mineral mines of any kind. I grew up in northern Minnesota where mineral mines are every where. Did a lot of exploring back in my twenties. Your videos bring back a lot of good memories.

[@sandramason1987]

Great history and information to this tunnel. You always take some awesome pics as well.

[@maryl3ftwich778]

Awesome!Great video!I just love that I can sit in my livingroom and tour all these wonderful finds threw your videos!

[@garyreed6237]

I could drive 15 to 30 minutes and explore these places. Already have some. Bear Gap, Lykens and the Big Lick near Williamstown. Lykens Valley, PA born n raised. Yehaww

[@THX-vb8yz]

What was that gigantic metal wall used for? A blast door??

[@lisainthecold4287]

Wow loving this video and only watched a bit of it so far and I have to comment! Love the history and the tunnel is awesome, and the ice lite bulbs are cool too. Lol. Like ur still shots through out the video and the camera sound effects. And the facts u put up on the screen for us. Top notch, thanks for all the hard work, just wanted to say that quick. Now going to watch the rest of the video.😀👍

[@JPVideos81]

Thank you Lisa. Its a pleasure to film these for everyone.

[@topherloverjones8449]

Oh my gosh, guys! I was holding my breath for most of this video and clenching my jaw for the rest of it! 😨😨Especially when you were coming out of the " birth canal " 😉 This one was very exciting! Thanks for another awesome explore!!! Great job, guys! Be safe, always! 😃😃👌👍👍👍💙💙💙

[@JPVideos81]

Dont hold your breath too long haha

[@Lalunabreeze]

Topherlover Jones lol

[@topherloverjones8449]

@@JPVideos81 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💙💙💙

[@njcaveexplorer]

This is nothing, find a cave club near you and try caving with a group’ comment on that experience. Caves.org

[@RobbTube]

There is a tunnel off of Braswell Mtn Road in Dallas Georgia you might find interesting

[@businessbuilding1]

Enjoying this video on cold Covid19 spring morning. Thanks for this incredible footage!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for watching

[@michaelwalsh98]

Great video of King Coal glory days, that created so many jobs back then .

[@oldbaldwiseone]

I have hiked through the Old Cascade Tunnel in Stevens Pass, Wa., during my teenage years... There was an old stock truck parked on the East side. It had some Candy Bars in a cigar box up behind the front seat. Energy to hike back...

[@johnb.7979]

Another great explore! One thing that always makes me chuckle is how a sketchy bridge/trestle is a BIG issue, but a cave/tunnel on the verge of collapse is no big deal.🤔😆

[@JPVideos81]

Heights are not my fav place to be. I'll go underground anytime.

[@buddy8225]

Such amazing history you two found. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. 😀

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks!

[@mybby1966]

You guys had me so nervous for you! I would never ever go to such places! But I am glad you go because I love ❤️ seeing them! Stay safe out there and thanks for sharing! You and Cliff are the best!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks so much

[@davidmartinlopez9524]

Buen video..entradas muy estrechas con peligro de derrumbe .congratulations un saludo desde Barcelona

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Fun trip, thanks. I'm glad you walked up to that iron wall for scale. I like that Cliff takes his good luck Tribble with him - lol

[@christineingram55]

Great video,mind you some of those places you went through were tight ..but was worth the explore..The still photos were really good too ,really showed the place of nicely ,thanks for taking us along 😀

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks christine. This was a great location.

[@highatruthart]

I love tunnels as long as you don't have company in them.Loved the video. Great to see Cliff. Cliff coming out looked like something from Steven King movie.😲😱

[@JPVideos81]

No company, just wet and dark conditions.

[@ex-soldier4341]

Isnt it Stephen King?

[@jlucasound]

@@ex-soldier4341 Yes. Or Richard Bachman, if you like. (That was his pen name). 😀

[@chrissz1762]

I enjoyed the video but I have to say you guys are brave going through those holes and tunnels cuz I am petrified of snakes and claustrophobic so kudos to both of you guys.

[@JPVideos81]

I'm right there with you with snakes.

[@bdickinson6751]

@@JPVideos81 Snakes are in hibernation at this time of year. Could encounter some at other times.

[@miriamhahn828]

I really enjoyed this video! Thank you so much to doing this explore. I look forward to your next one! 😊

[@JPVideos81]

Ty miriam

[@micheleadrianson567]

A very interesting explore. Thank you JP and Cliff.

[@treenabischak5384]

Keep the great videos coming JP!! We love when you and Cliff collaborate!! We loved his Punxsutawney Phil impression coming outta that hole!!! :) are you both going to the Steamtown meet up in May? Also, do you know which other PA explorers are going to be there? T. 😊

[@JPVideos81]

I will definitely be there, think he will. There are people rumored to come but wont know until that day. I know theres over 80 people confirmed that includes lots of railroad fans.

[@treenabischak5384]

@@JPVideos81 awesome! We'll try to get to see you!

[@Joe.M]

You two are crazy. All the stress cracks in that overhead shale, in conjunction with the water. Just touching It could cause a collapse.

[@paigelarkin2825]

Love when you insert your stills throughout. (Especially when Mike - aka Nice Day for Decay - is not with you to post his gorgeous slide shows later!)

[@JPVideos81]

The older photos or my snapshots?

[@paigelarkin2825]

Both. I was referring to yours, but I love the historical photos, too.

[@JPVideos81]

@@paigelarkin2825 ty

[@flores2629]

Felt like I was right there with you guys.👷‍♂️ I have never seen coal in nature; it was almost pretty. I applaud your bravery, that tunnel looked like it was ready to cave. 👏

[@JPVideos81]

Thankfully it didnt come down, but only a matter of time.

[@alfredoh2009]

Watched it all, another great adventure 😊💙

[@bethshadid2087]

Awesome explore 👍. At least when shtf I'll know where to get my heating source 😁. Thanks for the history lesson 😏. Be safe, be blessed 💒👑✝️🙏😇💞

[@pokemonhunter9409]

Awesome brick and stone work in the tunnel strange the one end is brick and the other stone. Would a hoist house need a cooling system of any kind? Just guessing as I don’t have any clue, (don’t go there JP... lol), but maybe all the trenches were some sort of water cooling system? Bet the underground bunker was for explosive storage, by the way margarine works as good as butter! Lol. Awesome explore and gave thumbs up as always!

[@JPVideos81]

A hoist house doesnt require any cooling. Not certain that it was indeed a hoist house. The channels definitely served a purpose. Just one of many unanswered questions.

[@mikerusso4312]

that was cool! but i do have a question do i have to ring the notification bell every time i give you a thumbs up or is just a one time thing cause i've been ringing it every time

[@JPVideos81]

You only have to ring the bell when you subscribe. Just make sure you choose "all" when you click the bell.

[@doreenbabcock5186]

Tunnels were awesome..what you could show us..

[@coldblue9mm]

Looks like somebody, years ago, built that cribbing under where it's going to collapse. Who, or better yet why, would someone take the time to do that? There's more questions that answers in that tunnel! Good Video! Oh, most tunnels have what I have known as "Barrels" at the entrances to prevent cave in's. Then you get to the rough or "rock shot" portions where there's no lining. I bet those timbers way back in were added support where they make have found a weak spot that needed added support.

[@JPVideos81]

The cribbing would work if they went all the way to the top.

[@davidlalone2286]

A Quick note... To say thank you for Sharing with us. Dave on the Oregon coast

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Jay, it's so cool that there are still some remains of what used to there.That ceiling (back) was very scary to see it drooping like that. Great video, thanks for sharing. x

[@JPVideos81]

It was scary, yet amazing to witness.

[@SueGirling68]

@@JPVideos81 definitely a cool experience.

[@thekraftyguy8246]

Makes you think, if there is still coal there, then why did they stop mining it?

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

Another awesome video J - I wish I was there I would’ve taken some coal home 🏡! Thank you for sharing this awesome interesting explore 😀👍💕

[@JPVideos81]

Could use it to fill stockings at Christmas time.

[@MikeEgypte]

hahaha, the opening of you crawling out of that tunnel is great

[@MikeEgypte]

Do you know Jake Wynn, kind of a local expert on mining and mine history?

[@MikeEgypte]

Thanks so much for filming here. I have wanted to go up and find the entrances to some of those mines, and your video just about satisfy's my curiosity.

[@alextreasurehunter3811]

WTF! at 7:20 when i saw that piece of metal and then when you walked up to it to show it's true size was very awesome. You like shrank to ant size. Very cool video cut.

[@JPVideos81]

I knew the video wouldnt do it justice until i showed its enormous size.

[@alextreasurehunter3811]

@@JPVideos81 At first I was thinking "Dude calm down it's just a piece of metal" then you walked up to it ...DOOOOH! Carry on lol Keep up the great videos as it is easy to get discouraged and dragging your azz out there with KZbin becoming more like ThemTube. I did have a good channel until they changed the rules and made it almost impossible to make money unless you do it full time. I just do the odd random video once in a while now. Its a strange set up now because if you don't upload frequently you lose subs but you dont get paid unless you have many many subs. Then people quit their jobs to do vids full time and they ban you for being political right leaning. I am not ever going to promote that kind censorship no matter what side of the fence you are on. However you have a great channel and worth the work. Cheers.

[@Les__Mack]

Thanks. I love watching adventures like this!

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome

[@christinevangilder6962]

Awesome!! That was a tight fit, Cliff!

[@joanna5881]

I have to give you and Cliff credit for having the courage to go crawling around in those old mining caves. Just watching gave me claustrophobia.. I think the older we get the harder it is to do things like that. I'm glad you managed to explore most of it safely. Fortunately Cliff fits through those smaller openings.. not sure if that's a good thing but I look forward to watching his video. I also wanted to ask where you display the photos you shoot while on location and if you would consider sharing them in Pinterest. Let me know your thoughts on this and if you have a website to link back to. Thx, Jo

[@JPVideos81]

I share some on my fb page and will have some for sale in the near future. Any photos on my fb page are free for the sharing.

[@tommyromans7893]

Very good Guys. Interesting, it had my wife and I holding our breath in those tight places!!!

[@JPVideos81]

Dont hold them too long haha

[@AngelsWings.]

Great find!! Great video! I have to admit that I was worried about you guys in that tunnel!! I was sweating!!! lol Be careful always!!!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks debbie. We work well and always stay safe as a team.

[@eddie75935]

you should go to Jerusalem and explore Hezekiah's water tunnel. very old with water still flowing thru it. the chisel marks and scrapes are still visible along the walls.

[@prairieflower427]

I laughed when you said, "We're going to say goodbye now, because we may never see him again." FUNNY. I would be afraid something in those tunnels would fall and I would be trapped. It is fun watching you guys go in those places. I've seen things I wouldn't see because of your BRAVERY. It's cool so many OLD things ares still around.

[@JPVideos81]

Gotta have fun while exploring and sharing history.

[@prairieflower427]

@@JPVideos81 True and so funny.

[@susanbraun31]

Good video, everytime I think I've caught up on your videos, I find another one, thx for sharing,, glad you didn't try to go into small hole, lol

[@JPVideos81]

This is older, ive uploaded dozens of videos since this one.

[@susanbraun31]

@@JPVideos81 lol, well I will have lots to watch

[@leefranklin3054]

Looked like a fairly large red brick structure not much farther off. Run out of energy to check that one out? Not sure I saw it in your video, know I saw it in Cliff's.

[@JPVideos81]

It was fenced in and not worth the time or effort.

[@lindasprout8601]

Great video-next best thing to exploring one person. Thanks for the adventure!!!

[@JPVideos81]

You're welcome linda

[@kathleenhart4939]

Wish you could bring up some of that coal and sell it with the pics you will be selling. I think that would be a cool package deal...lol Cool video as always!!

[@prairieflower427]

That sounds like a good idea. I would like a piece of coal.

[@JPVideos81]

Haha, maybe next time.

[@TractorWrangler01]

That area with the pipe in the concrete is most likely a steam engine house to make power ect. It also could be where they crushed the coal into useable size pieces with the mechanical crusher powered by steam.

[@Avotts]

Very interesting. I know nothing about Cosmo doings, but the Lego house looks likethe big slots. Would have been for big giant gear wheels to pull cable maybe.

[@JPVideos81]

Good possibility

[@johnshehorn8116]

Cool to see u both together

[@kennethbarker852]

great video thanks

[@cdbunnerfamilyspookyyardha9041]

My husband says we're all the pipes are with the two rooms could be were they pump the water at. Like a water treatment area.

[@chrisgray8774]

It's good to see you influenced Cliff to wear a helmet. He needs to do that more.

[@faaqcee7896]

I think the tunnel was there before the coal mine. Research mud flood. Thanks for the video!

[@christyjenkins5471]

Great video! I just discovered your channel & love it.

[@JPVideos81]

Welcome christy. Check out my playlists to see all my different video categories.

[@DancesWithKitties]

Great photography!

[@raymondpichette]

This is a very good video to watch way to go.

[@tardismole]

23:17 Was that a train bell? Or your equipment? Either way, the odd echo made it sort of creepy.

[@TheKali4niagurl]

I enjoy watching these finds and your history lessons.

[@JPVideos81]

🙂

[@Lalunabreeze]

That metal is big. Love the added old pictures.

[@JPVideos81]

Happy you enjoyed it.

[@darkstormy1545]

That tunnel would make an awesome bugout camp.

[@donaldjohnson4019]

Interesting Enjoyed the Tunneling Into these Old Sites

[@marleneestabrook1999]

fascinating stuff if this is starting to collapse now it may not be there much longer the tunnel was amazing thanks for showing us our world