Railroad History and Heritage

Steam Season Rolls On – Come Experience It! Steam Season is in full swing, and our legendary 121-year-old steam locomotive, Southern 630, has been working hard on the Missionary Ridge Local! With all departures on Sunday, March 2 featuring this historic engine, now is the perfect time to step aboard and experience the thrill of…

Steam Season Kicks Off with a Spectacular Start! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) kicked off Steam Season with an incredible first day! Our 121-year-old locomotive, Southern 630, proudly took center stage, demonstrating the power and elegance of steam railroading. Pictured: The Evening Ridge Runner departing Grand Junction Depot at 5 PM, carrying passengers on…

Steam Railroading is Hard Work – But Worth It! Today, TVRM fireman Travis Gordon is hard at work keeping Southern 630 running in top condition. These locomotives require daily maintenance, and every small task plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for passengers. Inside the Maintenance Process 🔹 Checking Bearings –…

Steam Season is Officially Underway at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! The wait is over—Steam Season at TVRM has begun! This morning, our 121-year-old steam locomotive, Southern 630, made its grand entrance at Grand Junction, pulling the first Missionary Ridge Local train of the season. The rhythmic chug of the engine, the hiss of steam,…

Welcome to Steam Season at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! A beautiful weekend is ahead, and we’re kicking off Steam Season in style! If you’re looking for an authentic railroading adventure, now is the perfect time to climb aboard. Featured Rides This Weekend: Missionary Ridge Local – All departures powered by the legendary Southern 630…

A Historic Film, A Historic Railroad The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is honored to have played a role in the production of Tyler Perry’s Netflix film “6888.” The film, which tells the heroic story of the all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit in World War II, shines a light on the dedication and courage of…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum continues its mission of preserving rail history with the exciting addition of SD9 locomotive #205. This powerful machine, built in 1955 by EMD, carries decades of history, having served various railroads before finding its forever home at TVRM. Let’s dive into the fascinating legacy of this diesel workhorse and what’s…

When communities come together to support local initiatives, remarkable transformations happen. Recently, one of our cherished structures received a fresh coat of paint, thanks to the leadership and vision of Eagle Scout candidate Caden Gildernew from Boy Scouts of America Troop 2. This project exemplifies how dedication and teamwork can create a lasting impact. The…

Rediscovering the Splendor of B&O Office Car 98: A Journey Back in Time Step aboard the resplendent Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Office Car No. 98 at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), and you’ll feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a lavish era of executive rail travel. Built by Pullman in 1917…

The TAG Heritage Unit, NS 4851, is a shining example of the incredible craftsmanship at the Juniata Locomotive Shop. From its origins as NS 9583, a 2000-built unit, to its stunning transformation into a legacy locomotive, this project showcases innovation, dedication, and artistry. It took 10 carmen painters, 450 hours, and 77 gallons of paint…