Tunnel Green is a part of the Wheeling Heritage Trail and is considered by most Wheeling inhabitants to be the most haunted location in our town. There are countless myths and legends surrounding Tunnel Green. The tunnel is formally named Hempfield Railroad Viaduct and Tunnel but was dubbed Tunnel Green because of its grass-like and overgrown look.
Mr. Stanton, teacher of Wheeling History, proved to be extremely educated on the myths and legends regarding the chilling tunnel.
“Tunnel Green was an old railroad and it is a part of the walking trail but as I began to learn more about the trail I found out about the ghost stories surrounding the tunnel,” said Mr. Stanton. “One of the main ghost stories comes from the fact that there is an old cemetery built on top of the tunnel that is referred to as the Peninsula cemetery.”
There is a very large mix of stories and reports of strange myths surrounding the nature of the tunnel such as bad smells, or the feeling of spirits/ghosts. “There is a green slime that comes from the ceilings, people say that the graves are seeping through the ceiling, but I think that it is actually a mineral from the ground,” Stanton stated. “People also say that the spirits of those from the cemetery are hunting the tunnel because they are mad that their resting place was destroyed.”
Most stories that come up in conversation about the tunnel surround that of ghostly nature. However, there are many creepy and evil acts that took place in the tunnel that are true.
Steve Moore, WTRF-TV anchor, recently reported on the tunnel for his series “Spooky Steve.”
“There are a lot of ‘haunted’ locations around the Ohio Valley. To my knowledge, only one was the site of two serial killers (Thoman Carr and Joseph Eilsele) teaming up for a murder. Tunnel Green is creepy, ominous, and right here in Wheeling,” said Moore.
Another murder case that involves Tunnel Green is that of a murderer with a spine-chilling name. “There is a story surrounding the tunnel involving someone called the ‘Hatchet Killer.’ There was a man who had a sketchy reputation, he was from Parkersburg and he was wanted for a few other murders. He lured a man into the tunnel and they got into an argument. The hatchet killer ended up murdering the man who toured the east entrance of the tunnel,” said Stanton.
While all of the stories that involve the tunnel are scary and mysterious, the Tunnel is currently used as a walking path for many Wheeling inhabitants. “People would report seeing things jumping out at them. Most of the stories that you hear about Tunnel Green involve people who were going through it at odd hours. There is a story about men who reported seeing things jump out of them in the tunnel, but they also admitted to being intoxicated”, said Mr. Stanton.
Next time you feel like going on a wild and thrilling adventure, gather your friends and make your way over to Tunnel Green. It is the perfect Halloween destination if you are looking for a scare.
