Day at Stumphouse Tunnel

On Sunday Adam and Sara Beth took us on a picnic to Stumphouse Mountain. Stumphouse Mountain is rich in American history and folklore. It is close to Issaqueena Falls – a beautiful 200 foot cascade on Cane Creek in the Stumphouse Tunnel Park northwest of Walhalla in South Carolina.

Beautiful South Carolina countryside on the way to Stumphouse mountain

Another beautiful sunrise

Legend has it that an Indian maiden, Issaqueena, rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped from pursuing Indians by pretending to leap to her death over the falls, but actually hiding beneath them. Near the Falls is Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel. The tunnel was started in the early 1850s as an attempt (unsuccessful) by the railroads to burrow though 1.5 miles of solid granite mountain, hoping to link Charleston to the Midwest. After 6 years of chipping and drilling with hand tools and black powder, lack of money and the Civil War brought work to a halt. Most of the workers were Irish immigrants that were following their dreams to America. They worked twelve hour days, six days a week with only sledge hammers, hand drills and powder.

Joseph enjoying the day at Stumphouse Mountain

Well, that was a long time ago, Stumphouse Mountain was much kinder to us and we spend many hours in the glorious sunshine exploring the paths and walkways that wind their way through the picturesque mountaintop.

Judy on one of the the many bridges that crossed the Issaqueena brook

It was a terrific way to spend our second day in South Carolina. The children and adults alike had a great time; the picnic of roast beef and other meats Sara Beth prepared was delicious.

Joseph in a nice setting near Issaqueena Falls

Later we explored the uncompleted Stumphouse tunnel- and awe inspiring site as the following pictures illustrate.

Tom and Judy entering Stumphouse Tunnel

Inside Stumphouse Tunnel

Sara Beth, Kallsen and Parker

Judy and Kallsen enjoying the cool waters of the brook

Issaqueena Falls