Nestled behind the backyards of a subdivision is a surprise.

Near the West and East Barrett Tunnels is a third tunnel, the Meramec Highlands Tunnel, high up on a bluff overlooking the Meramec River Valley. It was constructed in 1883 by the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad. Like the other two, it was replaced just to the south with new train tracks.

Much shorter than the other two, it is also filled up with rubble up to the round vault, and both entrances are sealed with brick walls.

But as can be seen in the above historic photograph, it was once wide open, and easily visited by photographers who came out from St. Louis on the railroad to the resorts by the Meramec River.

Today, the area is shrouded in vegetation, trees and undergrowth.

Bats are allowed to fly out of the top of the wall today.

As can be seen, the interior is full of rubble.

But back in the day, the tunnel afforded passage through a hillside to points further west.