“When the gang realized Nancy had seen too much, they allegedly hanged her from the smoke hole in the center of the tunnel.”

Back in 2000, I made the trek with a few friends into Campbellsville, Kentucky—an underrated little town with a surprisingly massive history. Just outside the town limits is one of my favorite haunts: the Spurlington Train Tunnel. If you’re into ghost stories, outlaw legends, or just the kind of place that gives you chills without even trying, this one’s for you.

The Spurlington Tunnel, also known as the Spurlington Cave Tunnel, was once part of the Lebanon Branch of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Built in the 1870s, it stretches nearly 200 feet through solid limestone and was used for decades until the tracks were abandoned in the 1980s. These days, it’s overgrown and quiet—but not forgotten.

Local lore ties the tunnel to one of America’s most notorious outlaws: Jesse James. After the Civil War, Jesse and his gang were known to move through Kentucky while dodging Pinkerton detectives and federal authorities. According to legend, during one of those passes through Taylor County, the gang used the tunnel to stash stolen loot—possibly gold or silver coins. A local woman named Nancy Bass reportedly witnessed them hiding the treasure.

Here’s where things get dark. When the gang realized Nancy had seen too much, they allegedly hanged her from the smoke hole in the center of the tunnel. Some say it was to protect the secret of the treasure, others say she was accused of witchcraft and that her hanging was punishment for both. Over time, Nancy’s ghost became the center of the story.

Campbellsville locals claim if you walk from one end of the tunnel to the other and back again, you might see Nancy hanging from the smoke hole—especially if you’re thinking about the treasure. Some say you’ll hear her whispering. Others warn she’ll “get” anyone who comes searching for what Jesse James left behind.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the place has a heavy, eerie energy. The tunnel itself is pitch-black inside, cool even in summer, and completely silent except for the echo of your own footsteps. It’s not hard to imagine how legends are born in places like this.

If you’re ever near Campbellsville and up for a thrill, the Spurlington Tunnel is worth the detour. Just don’t go looking for gold—unless you’re ready to face Nancy.