Hawk's Nest Tunnel

The Hawk's Nest Tunnel is a notable engineering project located in West Virginia, USA. Built during the 1930s as part of a hydroelectric power project, the tunnel runs through the Appalachian Mountains and diverts the Gauley River into the Kanawha River. It became infamous due to a tragic outcome: many workers suffered from acute silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. This sparked discussions about worker safety and labor rights. Today, the tunnel is recognized not only for its engineering significance but also as a turning point in labor awareness and industrial safety standards.