Howard Tunnel

The Howard Tunnel

To facilitate the completion of the Northern Central Railroad between Harrisburg and Baltimore, a 275 foot tunnel had to be constructed 6 miles south of York. The Howard Tunnel was named after the engineer Henry Howard, who discovered an efficient way to drill through solid slate that the bore had to pass through. The Tunnel was completed in 1838 with one track passing through it and allowed the Northern Central Railroad to thrive in its early years. 

With the Northern Central a Confederate target during the Civil War, the tunnel was protected by members of the Pennsylvania Militia. Aided by the fact that the tunnel is not accessible from the local roads, the militia successfully prevented Confederate attacks. The increase in traffic on the Northern Central required a second track be installed along the length of the route between Harrisburg and Baltimore. This required the Howard Tunnel to be widened to accommodate two tracks, and this was completed in the late 1860’s. The tunnel has been refurbished or rebuilt at least three times in its long history and has seen active rail service since its opening in 1833, making it the second oldest active railroad tunnel in the United States.