Railroad Preservation

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…

Autumn Train Adventures in East Tennessee Autumn in East Tennessee is nothing short of magical. The landscape is painted with a mesmerizing palette of fall colors, and the crisp cool temperatures add to the charm. This weekend, there’s an added reason to venture outdoors and soak in the enchanting views: two captivating train rides that…

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…

October 8, 2021 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Celebrates 60 Years of Preserving Railroad History Chattanooga, TN — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has been preserving railroad history since 1961, and this month, it is kicking off a year-long celebration that will highlight the museum’s 60-year heritage with two weekends of special events and displays….

Fall Colors Aboard the Hiwassee River Gorge Train October’s arrival heralds the onset of mesmerizing fall colors, and what better way to bask in nature’s splendor than aboard a train journey through the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge? The golden hues of autumn leaves, coupled with the serene backdrop of the gorge, promise a visual treat…

Historic Fairbanks-Morse H16-66 Locomotive Adds Sparkle to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Collection Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has proudly announced the addition of an iconic Fairbanks-Morse model H16-66 #F3060 locomotive to their collection, a gracious donation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Manufactured in 1958 and affectionately termed the “Baby” Trainmaster, this 1600 horsepower locomotive…

In this bustling quarter, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’ blog has kept its readers on their toes. Here’s a concise recap of what we delved into: TVA Donation: We kicked off with an in-depth look at the generous donation by TVA, shedding light on its historical and contemporary significance for rail enthusiasts and Tennessee’s rail…

L&N Historical Society Moves to Chattanooga: Enhancing Southern Railroad Research & Preservation The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) and the Southern Railway Historical Association (SRHA) have entered into an agreement with the L&N Historical Society (LNHS) to relocate the LNHS headquarters, archives, and company store from Bowling Green, KY to Chattanooga, TN. LNHS will occupy…

Progress During a Pandemic: Preserving Railroad History The allure of train travel from days gone by isn’t just about the locomotives and their crews. It’s also about the little details, the props that paint a vivid picture of a bygone era. From milk cans on station platforms to vintage vehicles, every piece tells a story….