What’s Hidden Underground In This Cemetery In New Jersey Is Unexpected But Awesome
By Kristen|Published June 01, 2016
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Kristen
Author
Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
New Jersey has hundreds of hidden secrets, from secluded gardens to abandoned asylums, and there’s nothing more fun than discovering somewhere new to explore. While we do want to be respectful of any place we visit and want to be aware of any safety/security restrictions, it’s always exciting to learn about one of our more mysterious spots… like this abandoned railroad tunnel tucked away under Fairview Cemetery.
Also known as Fairview Memorial Park and Mausoleum, I am referring to the burial ground in Fairview (Bergen County) - not to be confused with the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. This cemetery is the final resting place of several Spanish American War veterans along with notable figures including Willard Marshall, a Major League Baseball player, Marshall Van Winkle, a US congressman, and Alexander Esau, a victim of the serial killer, "Son of Sam."
The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway's Edgewater Branch ran approximately 3.2 miles between the Little Ferry Yard (in Ridgefield) to Edgewater and the Hudson River. While portions of the line still remain active, the 1-mile stretch of tunnel under the Fairview Cemetery remains abandoned. The tunnel runs up to 200 feet underground, and was built in 1894. Pictured is the tunnel entrance in Fairview - the tracks were removed in the 1990s.
Pictured is the portion of the tunnel running under Fairview Cemetery. A pipeline and power cable now run through the tunnel. It is often flooded with muddy water, filled with rats, is located on private property and is unsafe to enter. Of course, that doesn't stop people. With all the chilling tales surrounding this subterranean spot, it's no surprise that curious folks want to explore.
Being located under a cemetery, there are rumors that portions of the tunnel have collapsed, that caskets are visible and that hell hounds guard the area. Of course, none of this is true. However, it very well may be haunted and is certainly an eerie spot. Some say that a young girl was struck by a train in the tunnel and killed instantly, others say a ghost train runs through on the darkest of nights.
Kids in the '70s and '80s often used to head into the tunnel on hot days, seeking refuge from the heat. Another fun fact? Since the tunnel was primarily used to transport coal, it needed an air vent. The vent is still visible on Google Maps, pictured. While interesting to see from above, be aware that these are private residences.
For a first-hand account and additional photos, check out this YouTube video by Chris Chaos. Be aware that the text in the video runs through pretty quickly.
Haunted or not, doesn’t this seem like such an interesting spot? Did you know that an abandoned railroad tunnel ran through New Jersey? Are there similar hidden locations in the Garden State that you can share?
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