Grew up a mile from this site back in the '60s and 70s. Trains were much more frequent then. Exhaust smell was bad at times. Very rural area, the Town of Florida, MA. So quiet, you could sometimes hear the trains going through the mountain late at night.
Incredibly cool site. There's no access but you can see the large fans that provide fresh air to the hoosac tunnel below. The parking is very limited but expected for a rural site.
Don't hang around because the railroad cops swing through.
This facility is the vacuum system for the Hoosac Tunnel. It is located directly above the Central Shaft over a thousand feet deep. I can attest to one thing... (not that I've ever been in the building or anything)... it is one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable. Pitch-black inside with inch-thick soot and greasy smoke residue everywhere. Two massive electric fans positioned near the abyss may turn on at any time and surely transform anyone nearby into burger meat. One false move... one slip and you're going into a black pit of certain death. You'd probably survive for about ten seconds during the thousand foot fall too, compounding the dread and terror. Trying to gain entrance is NOT recommended but an observation of the facility from outside of the fence will provide the visitor with a significant historical experience.
In the summer, you'll see people lined up here waiting to catch a glimpse of the trains passing through the tunnel, hoping for the perfect shot. All season, the Hoosac Tunnel is a marvel. The east entrance is rurally located and actively used. Trails nearby! Grim history and local folklore make this site a must visit for any and all New England buffs!
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