Montgomery Bell Tunnel
Montgomery Bell Tunnel | |
Montgomery Bell Tunnel (interior view) | |
| Nearest city | White Bluff, Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°8′48.6″N 87°7′19.4″W / 36.146833°N 87.122056°W |
| Built | 1819 |
| MPS | Iron Industry on the Western Highland Rim 1790s-1920s MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001188 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1994 |
| Designated NHL | April 19, 1994 |
The Montgomery Bell Tunnel, also known as the Pattison Forge Tunnel, is a historic water diversion tunnel within Harpeth River State Park in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Named after Montgomery Bell who directed its construction, Bell called the area "Pattison Forge" (often misspelled "Patterson") in honor of his mother's maiden name. Built in 1819, the 290-foot (88 m) long tunnel is believed to be the first full-size tunnel built in the United States, and is the first used to divert water for industrial purposes. It was designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1981, and a National Historic Landmark in 1994.