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Regional History

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is not just a testament to the golden age of railroads but also a deep dive into the rich regional history of Tennessee. From the booming industrial revolution that once steamed across its tracks to the people who built a life around the railways, the museum captures the essence of a bygone era, revealing stories that shaped the landscape of the Tennessee Valley.

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.

Unique Dining Experience: Dinner Train & Depot Feast – Tennessee

Have you ever imagined dining in an environment steeped in tradition and charm? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers just that with its unique Dinner Train and the special Dinner in the Depot events. What can guests expect from the Dinner Train’s special menu? From March 15th to 17th, the Dinner Train, departing from Grand…

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March 11, 2024

Vintage Diesel Experience: A Unique Journey at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Vintage Diesel Experience: A Unique Journey at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, a gem in Chattanooga, TN, is known for its remarkable preservation of railroad history. While the much-anticipated steam opening has been postponed to the following weekend, there’s still an exciting opportunity to explore the rich legacy of railroading…

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March 8, 2024

East Tennessee Spring Fest: Art Market & Train Rides

Spring into Art and History: East Tennessee’s Art Market and Train Rides As the fresh bloom of March ushers in a classic East Tennessee spring, we’re excited to announce a weekend celebration combining local art and historical railway experiences. This special event, set against the backdrop of budding flowers and warming weather, invites the community…

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March 1, 2024