Western Gateway Heritage State Park

If you are interested in learning more about how the railroads changed the face of America, consider a visit to Western Gateway Heritage State Park. This unique Massachusetts state park is a must for history or engineering buffs.

Digging is a must

In the early days of railroad transit, one of the most coveted lines was between Albany, New York's state capital, and Massachusetts. Unfortunately, the direct path between the two was interrupted by impassable mountains. In 1848, construction began on the Hoosac Tunnel, a 4.75 mile path through Hoosac Mountain. The project took over twenty-five years and claimed the lives of two hundred men, but the tunnel is still used to this day.

Looking Back

Western Gateway Heritage State Park is located in the town of North Adams. This is not a park where you go for natural beauty; located in a former railroad yard, it is primarily of interest to people exploring the unique ways that humans changed the face of North America. Make the Visitor's Museum your first stop. There, a series of exhibits outlines the development of the railway system and the arduous process of digging the tunnel.

Other Things To Do

The park also hosts a number of restored buildings that were previously used for freight storage. A large cobblestone courtyard gives kids a place to run and play. The drive to the park offers some of the best views of the Berkshires that you can find anywhere.

If you have an interest in how railroad changed America, you can learn more at Western Gateway Heritage State Park.