Are there tunnels under downtown Fredericksburg?

Answer 1

Yes there are tunnels under Fredericksburg. They lead from the Rappahannock River up to Caroline Street. They are sealed off and some have caved in. One of the tunnels has been reported (years ago in The Free Lance Star Newspaper) to be accessable thru the basement of the building on the southwest corner of Caroline and George Streets.

Answer 2

The late Roy Butler a Historian and I were in the Tunnels back in the 1970's. as they are in several locations, approximately 10 foot in width and between 5-6 foot in height with brick drain and brick and sandstone used in the construction. Must have been a major job, however, research in city records can not find any reference or monies being designated for the construction of them. Many suggestions have been made as to the use of them, ie drainage, commercial goods coming into the ports on the Rappahannock to be delivered to merchants in inclement weather. No record written can be found in the Council Minutes or letters about the construction of them. There were some recent tours of them at Caroline and George street conducted by HFFI, that is no longer available. The case is still open, Mr Butler passed many years ago and I have constantly researched and written about them. Must be a clue out there somewhere, case still open....."Tuffy" Hicks 2020