I‘ve recently been asked by a few of you, how I discover some of the more obscure places I visit. That’s not an easy question to answer, because I have come to rely on many sources. But there’s one resource that has yielded several hidden gems recently, and that’s the official list of National Civil Engineering Landmarks. I didn’t realize such a designation existed until fairly recently, but there’s all kinds of interesting landmarks on the list. One such landmark is the Tunkhannock Viaduct, and it’s pretty amazing.
“A thing colossal and impressive. Those arches! How really beautiful they were. How symmetrically planned! And the smaller arches above, how delicate and lightsomely graceful! It is odd to stand in the presence of so great a thing in the making and realize that you are looking at one of the true wonders of the world.”
–Theodore Dreiser in A Hoosier Holiday, 1916
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, roughly 20 miles north of Scranton, the Tunkhannock Viaduct was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world when it was completed in 1915. Constructed by the Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western Railroad, the viaduct is humongous, measuring 2,375 feet long and 240 feet tall. While its size is impressive, so is its aesthetic appeal. Given its size, the Tunkhannock Viaduct should appear out of proportion to its surroundings, yet it gracefully bridges the valley, blending perfectly into this rural portion of Pennsylvania.
Now owned by Norfolk Southern, freight trains still pass over the Tunkhannock Viaduct, more than 100 years after it was built. I only got to spend an hour checking out the viaduct, as I spent most of the day exploring Scranton. Which by the way, is a way cooler town than how it’s portrayed on The Office. But that’s a topic for another day. I didn’t get the chance to see a train travel over the viaduct during my short visit, which means I’ll probably find an excuse to make a return trip. This rural corner of Pennsylvania is so scenic, as well as peaceful, that it would make a great spot to spend an afternoon reading or just hanging out.
The Tunkhannock Viaduct is a historic landmark hiding in plain sight. I’m guessing most of the locals know its history, but how many people drive by this magnificent landmark with no idea of its significance. I don’t know the answer to that question, but it’s interesting to ponder. There’s undoubtedly people living nearby in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, that would visit if only they knew it was here. Even if you don’t care about its historical significance, or have any interest in watching freight trains thunder over the viaduct, it’s a great place to relax and admire the scenery.