Sense of Place Lecture #3: The Iconic Mitchell Point Tunnel Returns!

"In 1915, a groudbreaking (literally!) and iconic tunnel was constructed in the U.S. Piercing basalt cliffs, the tunnel's five arched windows were cut from solid rock and offered sweeping views of the main attraction - the Columbia River Gorge. The original Mitchell Point Tunnel made news headlines across the country and opened the Gorge to the relatively new contraption called the automobile. Soon a steady stream of Model T's motored through the hairpin turns of the highway and experienced the awe-inspiring scenery for themselves. But modern needs eventually took precedence. In 1953 the tunnel was deemed unfit for current transportation methods, closed, and filled. In 1966, to make way for the construction of highway I-84, the tunnel was destroyed.

Now, a century after the original Mitchell Point tunnel was built, the Historic Columbia River Highway is being restored. With nearly 73-miles of projects completed, a new Mitchell Point Tunnel remains as one of just 3 projects needed to fully connect the Historic Highway. Join guests, Kevin Price and Tova Peltz as they share the incredible history and feats of engineering behind reviving this highly-anticpated local icon."