Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is located in a region with a rich history. Here you will find file resources so that you can enjoy the many articles that have featured our region’s history. Click the Learn More links below to access the files.
THE EAST TENNESSEE (THE CRITICAL LINK)
In the 1830s, the frontier that was East Tennessee needed improved transportation to reach seaports and commercial centers east of the Appalachians. The first step, in late-1831, was the chartering of the Lynchburg and New River Railroad, designed to link the James River and Kanawha Canal at Lynchburg, Va., with the Tennessee River at Knoxville.
CIVIL WAR ECHOES AT THE TENNESSEE
Over 50 years ago, in 1961, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) was founded by a group of Chattanooga-area railfans. Most of these guys were members of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, who were tired of driving over 200 miles round trip on pre-Interstate highways just to attend the monthly meetings. A couple of years after TVRM was formed, one of the founders, Paul Merriman, purchased steam locomotive No. 12 from the dieselizing Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad of Stearns.
EAST TENNESSEE & GEORGIA RAILROAD AND THE CIVIL WAR
The year 2013 marks one of the sesquicentennial anniversaries of the Civil War. Mark Brainard, a keen Civil War historian (and re-enactment participant), is also a volunteer at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. TVRM owns and operates three miles of former Southern Railway right-of-way that, it turns out for Civil War aficionados, is hallowed ground.
(Video) – Another Great Day to Ride a Train at TVRM! 🚂✨
Steam Season Rolls On – Come Experience It! Steam Season is in full swing, and our legendary 121-year-old steam locomotive, Southern 630, has been working hard on the Missionary Ridge Local! With all departures on Sunday, March 2 featuring this historic engine, now is the perfect time to step aboard and experience the thrill of…
March 2, 2025
(Video) – A Fantastic First Day of Steam Season at TVRM! 🚂🔥
Steam Season Kicks Off with a Spectacular Start! The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) kicked off Steam Season with an incredible first day! Our 121-year-old locomotive, Southern 630, proudly took center stage, demonstrating the power and elegance of steam railroading. Pictured: The Evening Ridge Runner departing Grand Junction Depot at 5 PM, carrying passengers on…
March 1, 2025
(Video) – The Work Behind Steam Railroading – Keeping 630 on Track 🔥
Steam Railroading is Hard Work – But Worth It! Today, TVRM fireman Travis Gordon is hard at work keeping Southern 630 running in top condition. These locomotives require daily maintenance, and every small task plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for passengers. Inside the Maintenance Process 🔹 Checking Bearings –…
March 1, 2025
(Video) – Steam Season Opens at TVRM – Experience Living History! 🚂✨
Steam Season is Officially Underway at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! The wait is over—Steam Season at TVRM has begun! This morning, our 121-year-old steam locomotive, Southern 630, made its grand entrance at Grand Junction, pulling the first Missionary Ridge Local train of the season. The rhythmic chug of the engine, the hiss of steam,…
March 1, 2025
Steam Season 2025 at TVRM – Ride Into History!
Welcome to Steam Season at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! A beautiful weekend is ahead, and we’re kicking off Steam Season in style! If you’re looking for an authentic railroading adventure, now is the perfect time to climb aboard. Featured Rides This Weekend: Missionary Ridge Local – All departures powered by the legendary Southern 630…
February 28, 2025
Ride the Rails of History – TVRM’s Connection to “6888”
A Historic Film, A Historic Railroad The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is honored to have played a role in the production of Tyler Perry’s Netflix film “6888.” The film, which tells the heroic story of the all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit in World War II, shines a light on the dedication and courage of…
February 27, 2025