Placed in the heart of Wheeling, the Hempfield Tunnel, also known as “Tunnel Green,” is a captivating and haunting structure that has stood the test of time. This tunnel was built in 1857 as part of the Hempfield Railroad, an ambitious project aimed at connecting Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to Wheeling, West Virginia. Unfortunately, the tunnel’s past is disfigured by a tragic incident that occurred on June 29, 1867. Joseph Eisele, a man consumed by furious anger, took the life of Alois Ulrich at the northeast exit of the tunnel, leaving the community in shock and disbelief. Eisele was later executed for his crime, but Ulrich’s ghost came back to haunt the tunnel, turning it into the notorious and spooky place that it is today.
On July 19, 1869, a group of men were walking through the tunnel when they heard eerie moaning and groaning sounds. Suddenly, the ghostly figure of Alois Ulrich appeared before them in his mangled form, uttering the words “let the dead rest.” The men were petrified and ran away, but the story of the ghostly encounter spread like wildfire throughout the community. This led to the story being published by the Wheeling Intelligencer, and the story has been around for over 150 years. Despite being rebuilt by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in 1904, the tunnel continued to have an unsettling atmosphere. The old Hempfield Cemetery was moved over it, adding to its ghostly ambiance, and making it a perfect ideal location for paranormal investigators and tourists alike.
The tunnel’s dark history and alleged ghost sightings make it a fascinating and creepy spot that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Hempfield Tunnel is not just a historic structure, but also a place of mystery where the past meets the present to create an unforgettable experience for those who dare to venture inside it. On April 22, 2022, I had the opportunity to explore Tunnel Green, and its appearance left me in disbelief. The vines that grew all around it, the green slime that dripped from the walls and ceiling, and the icicles that hung from the ceiling created a spooky atmosphere that was both spooky and fascinating. I was disappointed not to have experienced any paranormal activity during my visit. I planned to return on March 1, 2024, only to find that the tunnel was closed for repairs. City Manager of Wheeling Robert Herron reported that the cost of the renovations was over $500,000, and he told the citizens of Wheeling that it remains uncertain whether the site will reopen. Despite the very limited number of supernatural events, I found the history of this structure to be both thrilling and terrifying, especially the stories surrounding the famous ghost that haunts the citizens of Wheeling. It’s always best to remain mindful when exploring the tunnel, as you never know what might be lurking in the darkness.
