The "Backwards" Tunnel

This book relates the historical sequence of how a glacial embankment influenced railroad engineers to provide service to Ogdensburg, New Jersey; and the crucial role that the "Backwards" Tunnel played in making it possible. It also describes the actions that were taken to save this dual-arched structure. In this volume Wasco settles the debate as to whether or not the Midland Engineers built the "Backwards" Tunnel correctly. During the early to mid-nineteenth century, a race was ongoing among competing eastern railroad companies to build the quickest and most profitable routes to New York City markets. The decision was made to proceed from Middletown through the Munson's Gap. To reach this gap they had to bridge what was called a "yawning gulch" in Ogdensburg. Engineers decided to resolve this problem by building what was later called the "Backwards" Tunnel. Although the glacial moraine facilitated rail construction, building the tunnel was to be a formidable task.