Brooklyn Spelunking: Atlantic Avenue Tunnel Tours Return

Bob Diamond's famous Atlantic Avenue Tunnel tour has started up again, after a hiatus of roughly five years. Diamond discovered the long-lost tunnel -- which runs under Atlantic Avenue between Boerum Place and Hicks Street) in 1981, after hearing about the legend of a Civil War era rail tunnel on a radio show. After an eight-month search (during which he was repeated advised by City officials to give up on his lost cause) he struck gold -- uncovering, intact, the world's first subway tunnel.



Diamond is Brooklyn's keeper and historian of this historic, cave-like expanse. Down in it's cool, otherworldly recesses, he tells of its building (by hundreds of Irish workers in seven months, including one murder), how it was used and where it led, and what may lie under the unfinished end.

Call 718-941-3160 to reserve a spot on a tour. See the video for a snippet of Sunday's excursion. (These tours are for the relatively hardy. Wear sneakers and bring a powerful flashlight.) Also, visit the web site of Diamond's Brooklyn Historic Railway Association.

UPDATE: The Brooklyn Eagle has more about the tunnel and this tour here.

Photos and video by MK Metz