Alpine Tunnel - Pitkin Colorado - Gold Rush Expeditions

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For years mail and supplies for the miners came back and forth over the mountains to Tin Cup and Gunnison, Colorado through several treacherous and lengthy passes: Tin Cup Pass, Taylor Pass and Altman Pass.
Anticipating that the mineral rich area would be the next big mining bonanza, a tunnel was planned with Gunnison as its goal. Excavation of the tunnel began in January of 1880 with plans to complete it within six months, but those plans proved to be a bit too ambitious. The tunnel, an engineering marvel, was the first to be constructed through the Continental Divide. A crew of around 400 worked steadily, but turnover was high, as the men worked through the cold, brutal winter. The men often traveled from their worksite to their cabins in groups in order to avoid being lost in the snow. Laborers were paid $3.50 per day, and explosives men, were paid $5.00 per day. The two crews met each other in the tunnel in July, 1881, but it would be another year before it was ready for the train.
When the first narrow gauge train came through in July, 1882, the tunnel was 1, 772 feet long, over two miles above sea level, and the most expensive railroad tunnel built up until that time. It cost $300,000, some $180,000 over budget, due to crumbling granite in the tunnel. Over 400,000 board feet of California redwood was required to support and encase 80% of it. The tunnel was a welcome relief to all of those who were previously required to haul supplies and mail back and forth over the treacherous passes of Tin Cup, Taylor and Altman.
The last train came through the tunnel in November of 1910. During its almost 30 year lifespan, the Alpine tunnel bristled with activity carrying freight for the many mining camps in the area.

[@ChasOnErie]

Danger danger ... Will Robinson !!!!

[@davidmurphy4550]

It's pretty sad how that Trail has depreciated for being such a significant historical area.

[@mountainmineexplorers]

well said let's get this video to the Forest service this is where tax money should be going

[@stopcallingmeshirley]

The road is now blocked to vehicles from both directions. Too Bad.