Railroad History

TVRM wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all dads!

Steam Engines 4501 and 630 Enjoyed by Norfolk Southern Guests At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, history came to life with the presence of Steam Engines 4501 and 630, offering a double dose of steam-powered excitement. June 8, we hosted special guests from Norfolk Southern and their families, both locomotives worked hard on the Missionary…

Preserving the Legacy of 100-Year-Old Steam Engines At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), our mission to preserve and celebrate the rich history of railroading is exemplified by our two iconic steam engines, each over 100 years old. These engineering marvels, dating back to the early 1900s, are more than just machines; they are living…

The Legacy of Steam Engine 4501 at TVRM This June 6, 2024, marks a significant anniversary in the world of railroading. It’s been 60 years since Steam Engine 4501 was transferred to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) from the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. This event was the beginning of a new chapter for the…

TVRM Welcomes Former L&N SD40 Number 1230 in Chattanooga Newly arrived in Chattanooga – former L&N SD40 Number 1230 – Last owned by First Energy at their now closed Stratton, OH plant. This engine will be used by our Tyner Terminal Railway to switch the VW plant. Plans are to eventually restore this engine to…

Journey Through History and Nature on the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad Spring and Summer in East Tennessee is a time of renewal, with the landscape bursting into bloom and the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad offering the perfect way to experience it. With two distinct rides, the Hiwassee Loop and the Copperhill Special, you have the…

Celebrate the 2024 Evening Ridge Runner Train Rides! May 31 marks the start of the 2024 Evening Ridge Runner season, and we’re excited to invite you to join us every Friday and Saturday evening through mid-September for an unforgettable ride on the Missionary Ridge Local. These rides, departing at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, offer…

Southern Railway Dining Car 3158: A Century of Continuous Service  Southern Railway Dining Car 3158, built by Pullman in 1924, has a storied history that continues to captivate train enthusiasts and museum patrons alike. Donated to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) by Southern Railway in 1969, this remarkable dining car is now celebrating a…

Discover the Thrills of the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad As the spring air turns warmer, the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad is gearing up to open its tracks on May 3, 2024, offering adventurers and train enthusiasts the chance to explore East Tennessee’s breathtaking landscapes. This season, two unique train journeys—the Hiwassee Loop and the Copperhill…

A Journey Through Time: Steam Engine 630’s Historic Ride on the Missionary Ridge Local If you’re a fan of railroads or history, or simply looking for an unforgettable family outing, the Missionary Ridge Local offers a remarkable experience. Today, the venerable steam engine 630, a remarkable artifact that has been chugging along for 120 years,…