The Wilkes Tunnel is famous in Alexandria and perhaps one of the most haunted tunnels worldwide. See it on our ghost tour of haunted Alexandria.
No doubt, tunnels themselves can be kind of spooky. Even without a haunted reputation, a dark tunnel can create scary tension when passing through. However, the Wilkes Tunnel in Alexandria provides all of the above and has some of the most thrill-worth tales attached to it.
The design is nothing short of peculiar. Learn more about the haunted Wilkes Tunnel by joining US Ghost Adventures for our Alexandria ghost tour.
The city created the tunnel out of necessity in 1851 for the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Alexandria was a top destination in Virginia because it was a port city and a hub for business, politics, and social gatherings. It was hectic during the Civil War as the Confederate Army used its railroad tracks to transport troops and supplies.
Pedestrians could pass under the Wilkes Tunnel without interrupting railway traffic. Fast-forward a couple of centuries, and people in Alexandria can still use it to get under the tracks.
That said, countless locals refuse to pass through the tunnel at night. Some force keeps people away, whether it’s because of its odd design, old sandstone walls, or urban legends. However, the brave have entered the Wilkes Tunnel for its thrill-worth reputation.
During the Civil War era, there was a murder committed inside the Wilkes Tunnel. The entire investigation left law enforcement officers baffled since there was no evidence.
Today, legend has it that you can feel a cold, eerie sensation in the same spot the murder took place.
Locals also report strange noises and possible spirits wandering inside the tunnel at night. We just had to add it to our Alexandria Ghost Tour with all that hype.
Alexandria has a rich colonial history and was once the central city for business and politics. However, Alexandria offers a more spooky side if you look in the right places.
Experience all of the city’s most famous haunted locations with our Alexandria Ghost Tour. You’ll see all the best sites, including the Wilkes Tunnel.
Since 2013, US Ghost Adventures has offered entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities. We deliver fun yet honest accounts of hauntings across the nation for curious people of all ages. Our ghost stories are based on historical research, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send a chill down your spine.
This video gives you a small taste of what you might experience on your ghost tour — subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.
US Ghost Adventures also offers virtual tours, a self-guided mobile app, and an Alexa voice app.