Montgomery Bell
The Second Tunnel:
Does it exist? Have you seen it?
From The Advocate: 1/6/01
By DALE GRAHAM
Almost all of us know where it is. Most of us have seen it, and lots of us have enjoyed time there, swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. The Narrows Tunnel is a beautiful place with a rushing waterfall, a deep swimming hole, trees, birds, peace and quiet. Although we have enjoyed it’s beauty, and maybe even marveled at it’s design, most of us have never really taken the time to understand where it came from, who designed it, who dug it … and why.
Thanks to the research of Ed Huddleston in his 1955 series for the Nashville Banner, Buddy Brehm and his work published in 1993 called Along The Harpeth, and Michael Holt in his research for a book due out this year, there is quite a bit of information on the tunnel we know. But here is something most of you don’t know.
There is a second tunnel … or is there?
The first tunnel was dug sometime before 1823. It was Bell’s vision, and although it was often referred to as “Bell’s Folly”, it made sense. Brehm’s description of the river at the Narrows explains why in part: “The Narrows of the Harpeth is a beautiful and most, unusual place. For people interested in nature or history, or those who just like to get away from it all, this location is highly recommended. Here, the river strikes one of the many high hills which blocks it’s path to the Cumberland River, causing it to turn sharply to the south. From here it begins a long, sweeping loop which brings the stream back to within a hundred or so feet of the opposite river basin. Over the centuries, this constant battle between water and stone has worn away both sides of the hill, leaving only a tall, thin wall of limestone to separate the two riverbeds. Without a doubt, this is the most unusual and best-known, natural feature along the Harpeth.”
But Bell saw more, much more in the “thin wall of limestone”. He saw rushing water, and with that water would come enough power to drive his mills, operate furnaces and forges, even things beyond his imagination’s boundaries. It took more than imagination to dig this dream though. Samuel W. Adkisson came on and although the scope of his contribution isn’t clear, his expertise in mechanics,mathematics and engineering are what made the tunnel a reality.
That, and the work, sweat and undoubtedly the blood of Bell’s many slaves made the tunnel a reality. They “slammed it through about 90 feet of solid rock … while the skeptics snickered” according to Huddleston. The snickers became downright laughter for a time, until the waters rushed through and the forge began to operate.
But we know that tunnel; we can see it and imagine Bell’s sense of accomplishment when the water roared through. What is this about a second tunnel?
In order to hear about the second tunnel, you have to understand what has become a theme of this series. Bell was a man of mystery, whether by fate or design, there is very little known about him. There are very few first-hand accounts of conversations with him, or letters written by him or even about him. Most of what is available is second and third hand information, legend and gossip, and much of it was written so long after his death as to make it suspect.
Huddleston uncovered enough about that second tunnel to mention it, and Michael Holt has found a map with enough detail to make it believable. (See the map, page 2). One must wonder how many canoes have drifted silently past this mysterious engineering feat, and either not seen it because the water was too high, or possibly saw it, but had no idea that it was worth noting.
Huddleston notes that in a document to the State Legislature by Bell in 1833, he mentions a second complete tunnel. According to Huddleston and the document, “Bell was seeking ‘legal clearance to enter and claim addition lands in the form of a circle’ about his already vast holdings at the Narrows.” He cited the need for cordwood. This petition was probably presented in 1833, and mentioned the second tunnel as complete.
But then there is that County Court Sale document, available for view at the state archives, generously shared by Michael Holt. It is dated Tuesday, November 27th, 1883. It offers for sale “that noted piece of property in Cheatham County, State of Tennessee, known as the Narrows of the Harpeth”. In the description of the parcel for sale is this mention of both tunnels: “There are two tunnels through the Narrow Ridge, each sixteen feet horizontal by eight in height; one in use, driving a small mill; the other, two hundred and twenty-six feet distant, purposely left incomplete by a thin web of rock to shut off the flow of water. This power and the land combined presents a peculiar opportunity to the manufacturer for investing in a property that furnishes both the raw material and the most economic and convenient means of working it into commercial form for many articles such as wood, grain, leather, iron, etc. Sale to take place at the Tunnel.”
The document is signed by T. A. Turner, County Court Clerk, Ashland City, Cheatham County.
Was Bell just stretching the truth a little to the State Legislature? Is there really a second tunnel, just below the surface of the high spring waters of the Harpeth, waiting to be discovered and verified? Have you seen it?
The Advocate would like to sincerely thank the Tennessee State Library and Archives, and former Nashville Banner writer Ed Huddleston for his remarkable work in the 1955 series on Montgomery Bell. We especially thank Michael Holt, Nashville resident, genealogist and historian who has so willingly helped us find this information, as well as shared his own voluminous research.
