One rumor that has gained attention over the years concerns the secret tunnels and passageways under Asheville, North Carolina. Some believe that Asheville was planning to build a subway sometime during the 1910s or early 1920s. It seems like a far-fetched idea even in 2025, given the mountain city’s population and terrain, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from circulating over the years.
However, there is a tiny bit of truth behind it. It should be noted that the tunnels are not interconnected, and some served as drainage and service tunnels, which also played a vital role during the Prohibition era, hauling booze.
But, “The Asheville City Plan” by John Nolan did suggest building a subway system, but how far the idea got with local politicians is anyone’s guess, since the downtown trolleys were a sufficient source of transportation.
Written By John G. Clark Jr.