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OUR FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION KEEPS ROLLING INTO SUNDAY

Steam, Heritage & Celebration

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is proud to keep the steam alive as our Founder’s Day Celebration continues into Sunday! This is your chance to ride behind Southern Railway steam locomotive 630, operating in her authentic “in service” livery. Complete with a red number plate and Southern Hooter whistle, 630 delivers the sights, sounds, and sensations of railroading’s golden era.

Sunday Ride Schedule – September 7

📍 All times Eastern

  • 9:30 am – Southern 630

  • 11:00 am – Southern 630

  • 12:30 pm – Southern 630

  • 12:45 pm – Lunch Train

  • 2:00 pm – Southern 630

  • 3:30 pm – Southern 630

👉 Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/4jheRTE

Each ride includes a trip through the 1858 Missionary Ridge Tunnel, a stop at East Chattanooga, and a turntable demonstration.

Special Founder’s Day Exhibits

🚂 Military Demonstrations

Throughout the day, guests will experience military displays and blank-firing exhibits, highlighting the role of railroads in mobilizing troops and supplies.

🚀 Rails to Rockets

Step inside a fascinating exhibit tracing the railroad’s contributions to national defense from the 1930s to 1960s. This era saw America’s transportation network fuel both wartime logistics and Cold War progress.

🛤️ Model Railroad Displays

The model layouts bring railroading to miniature scale, delighting families, hobbyists, and kids of all ages.

Why This Event Matters

Founders Day is about more than just a ride—it’s about remembering how railroads shaped our communities and connected people across the South. Research shows that visiting landmark sites and museums ranks among the top 20% of activities chosen by Tennessee travelers . Events like this make Chattanooga not only a travel destination but also a place to rediscover America’s spirit of innovation and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long is the Missionary Ridge Local ride with steam engine 630?

The ride lasts about 65 minutes and includes the tunnel, turntable demonstration, and shop tour.

Q2: Is the event family-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the sights and sounds of the steam engine, and the model railroad is a perfect bonus activity.

Q3: Are tickets available on-site?

Yes, but advance reservations are strongly recommended since Founder’s Day steam rides often sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased at tvrail.com.

Plan Your Sunday at TVRM

🎟️ Ride times throughout the day – choose your slot and climb aboard behind steam.

🎖️ Military exhibits bring history to life.

🚀 Rails to Rockets connects rail heritage with America’s defense story.

🛤️ Model railroads capture the imagination in every scale.

With Tennessee welcoming 147 million visitors in 2024, contributing $31.7 billion in direct spending , attractions like TVRM are central to both family travel and state tourism. By attending Founder’s Day, you’re part of that impact while supporting preservation.

Don’t Miss It

This is a rare opportunity to see Southern 630 in full steam, complete with authentic features that railfans and families alike will love. From the shrill echo of the Hooter whistle to the gleam of silver trim, every detail brings history alive.

👉 Book your ride today and celebrate Founder’s Day with us at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

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