I don't know about the rest of you Columbia students, but I love the tunnels. In case you have been living under a rock instead of going to class and enjoying the wonders of New York City, here is a short history of the tunnels.
Back in the 1800's, most of upper Manhattan was still forest, occupied by orchards and farmers. The few noticeable exceptions to this were the various asylums that existed. There was an insane asylum, an orphan asylum, and a few others. The tunnels first began when the different asylums created a network of underground paths to connect the various buildings.
Many years later, in the midst of the Manhattan Project, the tunnels were rebuilt and refurbished in order to sneak the leading scientists of the day into Pupin Laboratories, where the science behind the Atomic Bomb was slowly being developed.
Today, the tunnels still exist, though the current Columbia administration has been intent on locking doors and forbidding students to explore these great pieces of history that lie right beneath our feet.
Now obviously, a few locks and warnings has not stopped many students. Many of those who explored the tunnels, known as tunnellers, have gone on to gain prominence. A few famous Columbia tunnellers: Ken Hechtman, William Donovan, and the ever enigmatic Benoit.
Today, the tunnels continue to be closed off and isolated. This blog is dedicated to freeing the tunnels and encouraging the students and faculty to explore and enjoy this unique feature of Columbia University.
