Railroad History

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) was honored to participate in Dalewood Middle School’s recent career fair, showcasing the importance and intricacies of railroad museum work. Connecting the past with the present and projecting the future of railroads is vital, and we were thrilled to provide students with a glimpse into the fascinating world of…

Revitalizing a Legacy: Behind-the-Scenes at Soule Repair Shops with 4501’s Annual Inspection Nestled in the heart of the Soule Repair Shops, a meticulous and passionate team works tirelessly on the annual inspection of the iconic 4501. The efforts of this team bring together a blend of expertise and passion, ensuring the historic locomotive is both…

We’re excited to unveil our most recently completed passenger car project – Coach 1480, named after Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, located in Blacksburg, Virginia. This historic gem, steeped in decades of railway history, is set to enter service today, and here’s everything you need to know about it! The Origin: A Sleeping Car’s…

Soule Shops Update: GP7 No. 1829 Back on Track! From the bustling grounds of Soule Shops, we bring you some behind-the-scenes news on one of our beloved locomotives, GP7 No. 1829. As with all vintage machinery, maintaining these historic trains is akin to nurturing a living piece of history. Recently, our diligent crew noticed an…

Pullman Porters: Catalysts of Change in U.S. Railways In the golden age of American passenger railway service, luxury sleeping cars spelled elegance and sophistication, with the name “Pullman” becoming almost synonymous with such opulence. As passengers luxuriated in comfort, it was the Pullman Porters, primarily African-American men, who maintained the high standards of service that…

Discover Rail Heritage This January with TVRM’s Vintage Train Rides! Step into a world of railway heritage this January weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Join us for an enriching ride on the Missionary Ridge Local, powered by one of our meticulously restored vintage diesel locomotives. Riding the Missionary Ridge Local is more…

Doug Karhan: A Steward of Steam’s Legacy The world of steam locomotion and railway heritage has recently bid farewell to one of its unsung heroes. Doug Karhan, a venerated master mechanic of steam for Norfolk Southern from 1982 until the end of excursions in 1994, passed away on November 11, 2021. His legacy is a…

Railroads are woven into the fabric of America’s history, and they have been shaped by countless individuals dedicated to their craft. Among those, a figure stands out in the world of railroading: Mr. Harvey Blassingame, a retired CSX conductor and our very own “Living Legend.” A Lifetime on the Rails Harvey’s love affair with the…

TVRM’s Tribute: Marines Guarding U.S. Mail in the 1920s The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring 20s”, was a decade filled with excitement, jazz, flappers, and immense cultural shifts. But beyond the music and dance, the decade holds a significant place in the annals of railroad history. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is…

Planning for the Future: Celebrating 60 Years and Beyond at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Table of Contents Introduction Six Decades of Railroad Heritage Envisioning the Next 60 Years Expanding Educational Outreach Facility Improvements and Expansion How You Can Contribute Conclusion Introduction As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM),…