Historic Preservation

Welcome aboard the Summerville Steam Special, where the tracks lead not just to destinations but through the pages of history. This 2024 journey promises an unparalleled experience, combining the charm of rail travel with the storied past of the Southern 4501 steam locomotive. As we gear up for this unique trip, let’s explore some key…

Explore History on the Chickamauga Turn Train Trip Are you ready for an enchanting train journey that combines the allure of travel with the richness of history? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Chickamauga Turn offers just that – a captivating day trip to Chickamauga, Georgia, brimming with historical charm and comfort. What to Expect on…

Celebrating 100 Years: The Journey of Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 A Century of Service – TVRM’s former Southern Railway Dining Car No. 3158 has long held the record of being the oldest continuously operating dining car in the country, and today that record enters triple digits, as the venerable 78 foot long, 87-ton…

A Culinary Experience: Dinner in the Depot Event As the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) gears up for our much-anticipated “Dinner in the Depot,” we’re proud to blend a culinary experience with the charm of railroading heritage. Our guests will not only indulge in the opulence of the bygone era of rail travel but also…

The Missionary Ridge Local: A Journey Through Time After the track work, we are thrilled to announce that the Missionary Ridge Local is once again ready to welcome passengers onto its historic rails. This weekend marks a special occasion as we feature the vintage diesel 1829, a locomotive with a storied past and a robust…

All Aboard for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Magical Bubble Tour! Excitement is chugging down the tracks as everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, arrives at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with a whimsical new adventure – Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour. This unique event, happening on April 20-21 & 27-28, 2024,…

Today, Locomotive 1829 paying tribute to a true American hero, Captain Larry Taylor. At 81 years of age, Captain Taylor, a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War, is being honored posthumously in a ceremony steeped in respect and gratitude. Captain Taylor’s specific contributions during the Vietnam War. His acts of valor, including…

TVRM East Chattanooga Updates East Chattanooga’s railroad heritage continues to thrive, as recent developments at our local Sheet Metal Shop and various restoration projects demonstrate. Our dedication to preserving this historical legacy was recently highlighted in a Channel 9 interview, showcasing the intricate work and passion that goes into these endeavors. The Legacy of Captain…

More Work Continues at TVRM: Historic Trains Poised for a Spectacular 2024 The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is buzzing with activity as we usher in 2024 with several exciting projects. From the ongoing restoration of the esteemed Office Car 98 to the meticulous maintenance of our beloved steam engines, TVRM is committed to preserving…

Reviving History: The Transformation of Office Car No. 98 In the realm of historic preservation, the restoration of railway vehicles holds a special place, blending engineering prowess with a deep respect for our past. A prime example of this is the ongoing restoration of our 1917 office car No. 98. This week marked a significant…