Railroad History and Heritage

A Local’s Guide to the Best Attractions in Chattanooga, TN Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga, TN, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This vibrant city combines stunning natural beauty with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler. From…

The Historic Summerville Railroad Turntable: A Testament to the Golden Age of Railroads In the heart of Summerville lies a relic from a bygone era, a testament to the days when railroads were the lifeblood of commerce and travel. The Summerville Railroad Turntable, a massive 90-ton steel structure, stands as a symbol of the golden…

Breathing New Life into the F7A: Inside the Restoration of TVRM 576 Last month, the workshops at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum buzzed with renewed energy as a brand new project chugged into its care – the recently acquired F7A, christened TVRM 576. This locomotive, a vestige of rail history and engineering prowess, has now embarked…

4501 Shines Like a Star: A Journey Through Time and Magic Step aboard the legendary Steam Engine 4501 for a unique adventure that blends the past with a touch of wizarding wonder! Whether you’re a fan of railroading history or enchanted by the mystical, we’ve got something for everyone. Explore the Summerville Steam Special, where…

All Aboard the Autumn Dinner Train! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is thrilled to announce the addition of special Autumn Dinner Train dates! This fall, embark on a nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of Railroading and indulge in a delightful three-course meal while the history of Chattanooga unfolds around you. Event Details: Duration:…

Return to Chickamauga Service: A Historic Journey Awaits With the unmistakable blast of the horn, we’re thrilled to announce our return to the Chickamauga service! Today was a splendid day for a ride, with nature showcasing its beauty at every turn. If you missed out, don’t fret. We invite you to join us tomorrow for…

The Rails of History: “The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” at TVRM 1986 marked the release of a distinctive movie titled “The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James.” Filmed at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in 1985, this cinematic gem boasts a star-studded cast with music legends Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson,…

Eric Church’s ‘Creepin” Video: A Vintage Tale On occasion we are a go-to for mainly country music artists to shoot a music video using our old equipment. Eric Church shot his music video, “Creepin’”, using just locomotive 630 and the right of way. The entire time the video was being made, the music was being…

Iconic Summerville Steam Special is back! On a balmy September Saturday in Summerville, the town’s signature Cook-Off brought together chili specialists with an array of autumn flavors. As residents served up their chili and stews, the town morphed into a festive fall haven. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, the awaited highlight was the grand arrival of…

Georgia Trips Usher in a New Season at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Today marks an exciting turn for Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and train enthusiasts alike. As the tracks buzzed with anticipation, a breathtaking sight unfolded before us – two powerful steam locomotives, their combined age tallying up to over two centuries, commenced their majestic…