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About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is to collect for preservation, operation, interpretation, and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public concerning the role of railroads in the history and development of our region.

About the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Chattanooga welcomed its first rail line with the arrival of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in 1850. A few years later, in 1858, the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad also arrived in Chattanooga. The city quickly became a railroad hub with industries springing up in the area to take advantage of the new transportation corridors.

During the Civil War, confederate and union leaders recognized Chattanooga’s strategic advantage because of its railroads, and in subsequent decades, the city’s railroad reputation gave rise to the iconic song “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

By the late 1950s, railroads were waning as interstates and airlines made travel faster and more personal.  With automobiles, Americans could choose their own schedule and stop as little or much as they wished. Passenger operations all but ended in the 1960s, and freight operations suffered as big trucks hauled much of the freight across the country.

During this period, railroad museums formed to save some of the histories of this most iconic mode of American transportation.

In Chattanooga, as steam made its last appearances on the country’s major railroads, a few railroad fans began buying steam engines and passenger cars that the railroads would otherwise have scrapped.  This small collection was the beginning of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, which was founded in 1961 by a small group of local residents who were intent on trying to save some American history by preserving, restoring, and operating authentic railway equipment from the “Golden Age of Railroading.”

Railroads like the Southern Railway also made generous donations of obsolete rail cars to museums like TVRM, expanding their collections and the story the museum could tell. In addition, Southern Railway donated the original East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia roadbed (absorbed into the Southern Railway System in 1894) on which TVRM could operate.

TVRM’s passenger trains run on the historic route, which includes Missionary Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858 and on the National Register of Historic Places.  The tunnel is the primary reason TVRM runs on the 3-mile section of the former Southern Railway. As railroad equipment grew too large to pass through and the single-track tunnel became a traffic jam for an otherwise double-track railroad, Southern Railway abandoned the 3-mile portion of the line and built a new section around the end of Missionary Ridge, avoiding the tunnel altogether.

Today, TVRM preserves railroad equipment not only to preserve machines but to preserve an experience as well. In providing this historical experience, TVRM hopes to educate our visitors about the importance of this industry and how it helped create the modern world in which we live.

Discover Tennessee's Fall Colors on a Train Adventure!
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit if you're in the Chattanooga area. They have a number of different locomotives and rail cars on display, as well as a working turntable. My favorite part of the museum is the Missionary Ridge Local Southern 630 crossing over one of our four bridges.
Chug into Halloween Festivities with the Eerie Express Vintage Journey!

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM'S HISTORY

Locomotive Restoration Updates

Reviving History: Locomotive Restorations at TVRM

Follow our dedicated team as they breathe new life into historic locomotives, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.

Upcoming Events at TVRM

TVRM Events: Seasonal Rides & Celebrations Ahead

Stay updated with our exciting calendar of events – from seasonal train rides to special celebrations, there’s always something happening at TVRM.

Railroad History and Heritage

Tracing Railroads: From Origins to Modern Impact

Dive into the rich history of the railroad industry and the essential role it played in shaping our nation, from early development to modern times.

Historic Preservation

TVRM: Reviving Railroad Legacy for Future Generations

Explore living history at TVRM: restored locomotives and railcars narrate the story of rail’s impact, keeping the past alive for future generations.

Featured Exhibits

Discover TVRM's Exhibits: A Journey Through Rail History

Explore the fascinating exhibits at TVRM, each one offering unique insights into different aspects of railway technology, history, and culture.

Behind-the-Scenes at TVRM

Inside TVRM: Unveiling Railroading's Hidden World

Explore railroading at TVRM with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Discover updates, staff insights, and the preservation of railway history.

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

New Turtle Cinnamon Rolls at Depot Deli, TVRM

New Turtle Cinnamon Rolls at Depot Deli, TVRM Welcome to a delightful new offering from The Depot Deli at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) – Turtle Cinnamon Rolls with a unique whiskey caramel sauce! This gourmet treat is not just a sweet indulgence but also an addition to the museum’s rich tapestry of culinary…

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March 23, 2024

Dinner on the Diner: A Vintage Dining Experience

Dinner on the Diner: A Vintage Dining Experience Welcome to a dining experience like no other – Dinner on the Diner at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). This unique event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal aboard beautifully restored vintage dining cars, transporting you to a bygone era of luxury…

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March 22, 2024

Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration

Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration In the realm of railroad restoration, the old adage, “One person’s junk could be another’s treasure,” takes on a profound significance. The quest for preservation often leads us to unexpected places, uncovering hidden gems that are crucial for keeping the rich tapestry of railroad history alive. Over…

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March 19, 2024