The Historic Bay City Tunnel

 The Bay City Tunnel, which connected to the Emma Mine, the mine that almost started a war!

There isn’t much to see nowadays other that an a nondescript looking building with a historical plaque on it. However, the plaque has a lot of interesting history to read about.

This tunnel connected to the Emma Mine. Most notable due to the fact that in 1871 promoters Senator William M. Stewart of Nevada, and James E. Lyon from Wisconsin, attempted to sell the "worked-out" Emma Silver Mine to British investors. Lyon owned the mine along with Trenor W. Park and Henry H. Baxter at an estimated $1.5 million worth. Stewart had been sending bogus ore samples from other deposits to get people in England excited about buying out the Emma mine. Stewart claimed that the mine could be sold for $5 to 8 million in England. As a reward for Stewart's effort he was to receive a percentage of the profits from the sale of the depleted silver mine.

Eventually the ruse was discovered, and British Parliament discussed war. President Grant’s administration scrambled to heal wounds.

The Emma closed in 1918 having produced close to 4 million in silver ore.

Now the tunnel leads to the town of Alta’s water supply.

*Sources: Wikipedia and the plaque.

Quick Details:

Length: Depending on how close you park about 50 feet or so.
Trail Type: Get out and see.
Difficulty: It is paved, with a slight incline. DR2.
Elevation Gain: May 10-15 feet.
Restroom: No. There are restrooms at the nearby Albion Base.
Dogs? No. Little Cottonwood Canyon is watershed.
Other Info:

To Get Here:

Head to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Just after the turn of to Albion Base on the right is a pull out on the left with a rather plain looking building.

The Adventure:

The nondescript building that closes the tunnel.

The plaque.

There isn’t a whole lot to it, but it is kind of fascinating so I decided to make it it’s own post today, However, I don’t think I would drive all the way up here to see this. It is a great add on if you happen to be adventuring up near Alta. 10 out of 10 squirrels for being interesting. 

5 out of 10 squirrels for not being a whole lot to see.

As for difficulty, it paved with a short hill. DR2.

Dogs are not allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon. So be sure to leave Fido at home for this one.