The famous Hoosac Tunnel is located in western Massachusetts. Pan Am Railway's ex-Boston & Maine Fitchburg line now runs through it on the way to New York state. The area is deep within tree covered mountains, with a flowing river that attracts brave kayakers. At the time of completion in 1877, the Hoosac was the longest tunnel in the world. Even today, it is the longest east of the Mississippi River. Many lives were lost during its construction, and through the years people have reported eerie goings on at Hoosac. Eastern portal sometimes emits a ghostly fog. It is just damp air, but the smell and feeling of that air can be quite eerie indeed!
The B&M electrified the line through Hoosac in order to lower the fumes train crews and passengers had to endure during the steam era. Electric locomotives would help the trains from East Portal through to North Adams. A few signs of the electric system still exist, such as catenary towers.
A railroad called the Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington (or Hoot, Toot & Whistle) once connected with the B&M across the river from East Portal.
