A color postcard of Mule Pass Tunnel outside of Bisbee, Arizona. The front caption reads: “Mule Pass Tunnel”. The back caption reads: “This is the longest tunnel in the State. Completed in 1958.” The postcard is unused and was published by Petley Studios 4501 E. Vann Buren, Phoenix, Arizona. City of Bisbee Collection.

In January 1957, work began on the Mule Pass Tunnel, blasting through the solid rock of the Divide and eventually hauling out 93,000 tons of rubble to make way for the roads construction. It was built by the firm Pete Kiewit & Sons who were represented by B. Altucker Officials hoped that the tunnel would be a gateway for soldiers from Fort Huachuca as the base was growing in the Cold War era and the copper industry in recession. In the 1950s, the adjacent suburban town of Sierra Vista was only in its infancy and Bisbee’s homes, infrastructure, and schools were far more developed for soldiers living off base. The Mule Pass Tunnel cost 2 million ($19,417,269.97 in 2021), the federal government invested 1.5 million and the state of Arizona provided the remaining half million with Pete Kiewit & Sons having to pay for additional costs due to some miscalculations. On December 20th, 1958, the opening of the Mule Pass was celebrated with A motorcade of over one hundred cars led by Governor Ernest McFarland. From Fort Huachuca, Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Pitcher headed the officers at the celebration. Bands from both Fort Huachuca and the local Bisbee High School students provided music for the attendees. The Mule Pass Tunnel was not only a matter of convenience for Cochise County residents, it was also a matter of safety. Despite the scenic beauty of Highway 80 going over the Divide, its switchbacks were deadly claiming six lives and causing several other injuries and accidents over the years. It was especially hazardous in wintertime when the road was prone to freezing over. The tunnel’s construction provided a much safer route.

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