Stately Ruin, Engineering Feat

Claudius Crozet's Blue Ridge Tunnel

2/3/10 7:42 AM

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Blue Ridge Tunnel

Crozet was born in France, fought for Napoleon, taught at West Point and moved to Virginia to teach at the University of Virginia, but it wasn’t completed, so he was offered the position of chief engineer of the Virginia Board of Public Works. Crozet is remembered not only as a sheer genius, but also as an educator and scholar. He is buried at the Virginia Military Institute, where he served as chairman of the First Board of Visitors. It’s clear that the revitalized tunnel and trail will be a celebration of the man Jefferson called "by far the best mathematician in the United States," as well as a lasting monument to Virginia’s glorious rail engineering past. The state is definitely more than just the "Birthplace of Presidents."

Links of interest:

Multimedia presentation

Restoration of the Blue Ridge Tunnel & Proposed Regional Greenway for Nelson, Albemarle, and Augusta Counties by Whitesell Group Landscape Architects & Land Planners (PDF link)

Tag Topics: Afton, Time Out: Leisure, Tricia Pearsall

Claudius Crozet's Blue Ridge Tunnel

by Tricia Pearsall

2/3/10 7:42 AM

Latest Comments

Crozet's Masterpiece

What a great discovery! I felt we were right there in the tunnel. Can't wait for the next destination!!!

Posted by me2 February 03, 2010 22:18:54
Crozet's Blue Ridge Tunnel

It is hard to believe that 10 years before I was born in Europe somewhere .. this tunnel was being constructed. And sadly, I did not even know it existed! Once again, Ms. Tricia Pearsall informs, and transports us to places tucked away as priceless art. These articles are not simply about destinations, but historical in every sense.
Thanks for enriching our imagination with your beautifully composed writing !

Posted by Intrevado February 03, 2010 14:42:27