Cleveland’s Public Square is the grandest part of the city, featuring a history-making skyscraper, a church that initially grew alongside the city, and a statue of the founder and namesake of our hometown. What is also hiding in plain sight is an entrance to a secret subterranean world… you may recognize it as the historic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. The opportunity to explore these hidden tunnels only comes once a year, and it usually comes around Halloween. This year, however, Clevelanders are shaking things up.
In 1894, a grand monument was erected on Public Square to commemorate the Cuyahoga County natives that fought and died in the Civil War.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Cleveland Ohio/Facebook
To evenly distribute the weight of the monument (which weighs hundreds of tons), a system of tunnels were constructed beneath it.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
In the years since their construction, the tunnels have been used for storage and as an emergency fallout shelter.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Cleveland Ohio/Facebook Many locals believe the tunnels connect to other buildings, but this is a myth. Pretty soon you can discover more about these mysterious tunnels in person.
The tunnels open to the public once a year, and it is usually around Halloween as a nod to its purported haunted history.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
But this year, the tunnels will be opening on Saturday, April 21, 2018 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Cleveland Ohio/Facebook Visitors must be in line by 5 p.m. to participate in the subterranean tours.
Like the monument, the tunnels have changed very little over the years.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Cleveland Ohio/Facebook
Many visitors claim the tunnels are haunted, reporting sounds of disembodied voices and footsteps, along with other mysterious happenings.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Are you ready to uncover more about Cleveland’s hidden history? Your questions may be answered on this upcoming tour!
Tim Evanson/Flickr
These tunnels are hidden from plain sight, but you can soon experience a wondrous subterranean adventure as you explore their layout. Who are you taking on the tour with you?!
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Cleveland Ohio/Facebook
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Many locals believe the tunnels connect to other buildings, but this is a myth. Pretty soon you can discover more about these mysterious tunnels in person.
Visitors must be in line by 5 p.m. to participate in the subterranean tours.
For more hidden Cleveland history, check out this amazing abandoned bridge.
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