DOME SEATS, MANSION SUITES — YOUR TWO-DAY STEAM JOURNEY INTO NORTH GEORGIA AUTUMN
Dome Seats, Mansion Suites — Your Two-Day Steam Journey into North Georgia Autumn
Fog lifts off the Chattanooga Valley as you settle into a plush swivel chair beneath the curved glass of the 1877 dome. By dusk you’ll dine in Chickamauga, sleep where Civil War generals once planned battle lines, and awaken to rooster crows before re-boarding the Chickamauga Turn—all without moving your luggage an inch.
Package Inclusions in Detail
Feature |
What You Get |
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Rail Travel |
First-class dome seating on Summerville Steam Special (Oct 4) and Chick Turn (Oct 5). |
Dining Credit |
$100 card valid at select Chickamauga eateries |
Lodging |
Private queen suite at Gordon Lee Mansion; continental breakfast included. |
The Railcars: 1877 Dome Lounge Heritage
Embark on an evocative journey aboard the Chesapeake & Ohio No. 1877, a railcar steeped in history and restored to the height of mid-century luxury. Crafted in 1947 by the renowned Edward G. Budd Company, this dome-coach-lounge-observation car was part of an ambitious trio destined for the post-war “Chessie” streamliner, a dream unfulfilled due to its slated steam turbine locomotive’s design flaws and declining passenger interest.
Now, in the hands of private guardianship, the No. 1877, recognizable by its unique forward-slanted windows and dual-glass design – a nod to the necessity of eastern route clearances – has been exquisitely rejuvenated by the artisans at TVMR’s Soule shop. Its round ends, once signature to C&O’s luxurious tail-end cars and later squared for practicality, contribute to its enduring allure.
A Glimpse into Chickamauga’s Past
Chickamauga’s downtown grew up around the 1889 Depot and the limestone-block Gordon Lee Mansion served as a field hospital during the pivotal 1863 battle.
Booking Fast Facts
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Package Price: $1,235 for two guests.
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Cancellation Policy: At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, we understand that plans can change. To provide flexibility, we offer Trip Protection for your visit! (+15% of ticket value)
Reserve at https://bit.ly/4kV1Oa3 or call (423) 894-8028.
References
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National Park Service: Chickamauga Battlefield – nps.gov/chch
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TVRM Dome Car Restoration Notes – tvrail.com/dome-1877
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Chattooga County Tourism – chattoogacounty.org
Seats vanish like autumn leaves—reserve your dome perch, mansion pillow, and two-day soundtrack of steel wheels today. Matthew Freer’s photos capture the beauty; living it is up to you. 🎟️