Tunnel for Newly Completed Astoria and Columbia Railroad - c. 1900

When Northern Pacific completed its transcontinental railroad in 1883, Astorians assumed they would finally be connected by rail to inland cities. However, due to financial problems, the line only reached Goble, 58 miles east. It took another fifteen years to plan, raise funds, and construct the Astoria and Columbia Railroad, built not just for passenger traffic to Portland, but also to promote the port of Astoria, so goods could be unloaded from ships there for inland destinations. This handsome photograph by John F. Ford shows off one of the new tunnels.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.