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.
Behind the scenes: Forklift Certification Training
Behind the scenes: Forklift Certification Training At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), our commitment to preserving the rich traditions of the railway system extends beyond mere exhibitions and ride experiences. This week, we underscored this commitment by conducting comprehensive forklift training for our team, a critical component of our behind-the-scenes operations that ensures both…
April 24, 2024
Experience History on the Missionary Ridge Local
Embark on a Timeless Train Journey This Weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum This weekend, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers more than just a train ride—it provides a gateway into the rich tapestry of railroading history. As we gear up for a picturesque weekend, the iconic 120-year-old steam locomotive #630 will take center…
April 13, 2024
Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration
Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration In the realm of railroad restoration, the old adage, “One person’s junk could be another’s treasure,” takes on a profound significance. The quest for preservation often leads us to unexpected places, uncovering hidden gems that are crucial for keeping the rich tapestry of railroad history alive. Over…
March 19, 2024