Railway Heritage

Today, August 11, marks 62 years since we were chartered in 1961 to preserve the golden age of the American Railroad! Over the years we’ve seen changes in the “outside world” that make us seem even more dated than we were in 1961, we’ve endured many trying times that threatened to end our existence, we’ve…

As the sun sets on the final days of summer, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga, TN. With a rich railway heritage dating back to the 1850s, TVRM offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it the perfect destination to…

The Legacy of the Chattanooga Choo Choo The Chattanooga Choo Choo is not just a song, but a symbol of transformation, history, and cultural significance for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally a wood-burning steam locomotive that began its journey in March 1880, the Chattanooga Choo Choo connected Cincinnati and Chattanooga, marking a pivotal moment in post-Civil War…

The holiday season is an opportunity to come together, share joy, and appreciate each other’s company. After a pause of two years, the Chattanooga area employees of Norfolk Southern (NS) were once again able to gather at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) to celebrate their annual Christmas event. More than 400 employees and their…

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…

Preserving Railway Heritage: TVRM Welcomes Historic Coaches There’s a certain charm to preserving the old, especially when it involves relics of rail history. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, an icon of historical preservation itself, is embarking on a massive $10,000,000 renovation. In a strategic move to optimize their space, they’ve decided to part with some…

Union Depot: A Journey Through Time in Chattanooga’s Railway History Union Depot, once a bustling hub in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, stood as a testament to the city’s rich railway history. This monumental structure was served by two major railways: the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway (later part of the Louisville & Nashville)…

A Heartfelt Thank You from Thomas & Percy’s Wonderful Train Adventure! As the tracks begin to quiet down after two incredible weekends, we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Day Out With Thomas event. Seeing families, train enthusiasts, and Thomas fans come together to celebrate was truly…

Revitalizing History: Former Army SW8 #2000’s New Paint Job There’s a fresh coat of history on the tracks! The former Army SW8 #2000 locomotive has undergone a remarkable transformation, receiving a stunning new paint job as it prepares to serve at the facility of our latest customer. This locomotive, seasoned by years of diligent service…

It is with immense pride and anticipation that we announce a groundbreaking development for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). TVRM has recently acquired a building located adjacent to the Grand Junction campus, a move that marks an extraordinary milestone in our journey towards enhancing public education and connection with railway heritage. The Transformative Nature…