Rail history

This year, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) was honored to host 53 enthusiastic campers during our annual Rail Camp summer program. Spanning five incredible weeks, these young rail enthusiasts had the opportunity to dive deep into the captivating world of railroad operations. Our Rail Camp provided an immersive experience for the campers, enabling them…

This summer, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) proudly launched our inaugural “Rising Railroad Professionals” overnight program. This initiative, meticulously designed for young individuals aged 15-17, aims to ignite and nourish a passion for the railroad preservation industry among the youth. Our unique program caters to those with a keen interest in pursuing a career in…

The Origins and Evolution of the Chattanooga Choo Choo The story of the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a rich tapestry interwoven with history, music, and the transformation of a city. What began as a mere song eventually elevated Chattanooga, Tennessee, into an internationally recognized icon. Origins of the Name The Chattanooga Choo Choo initially referred…

The Legacy of the Chattanooga Choo Choo The Chattanooga Choo Choo is more than a song title – it’s a symbol of transformation, railroading, and cultural pride for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally a wood-burning steam locomotive that began service in March 1880, the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” linked Cincinnati and Chattanooga, helping usher in a new era…

TVRM Gratefully Acknowledges John Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant We are deeply appreciative to have been awarded a grant of $20,000 from the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust. Notably, half of this grant, amounting to $10,000, was received in mid-2022. This generous funding is instrumental in facilitating numerous enhancements to the dining car #899, known…

A Journey Fueled by Success Over our sixty-one years, TVRM has seen more than our share of challenges. Overall, our successes have outpaced our failures as evidenced by our rolling stock, staff, facilities and visitation. TVRM has weathered many of the recent storms with help from our freight business, returning passenger events, tight control of…

Nostalgia on Rails: A Glimpse into TVRM’s Festive Past A special thanks to John for sharing a piece of the past that binds us all together, even as we move ahead at diverging speeds. As 2020 draws to a close, it’s a moment to look back, reminisce, and appreciate the history that brought us here….

A Historic Return: TVRM Welcomes Office Car No. 21 After 42 Years The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a place where history comes alive, where every rail car has a story to tell, and where memories of a bygone era are preserved for future generations. This week, we are thrilled to announce the return…

Historic Office Car Returns to TVRM: A Journey from St. Louis to Chattanooga For those planning a road trip or simply commuting along Interstates 64, 57, or 24 between the vibrant city of St. Louis and the scenic Chattanooga this weekend, it’s essential to be vigilant. The forecast suggests potential inclement weather, which might make…

Doubleheading at TVRM If there’s anything more exciting than a train powered by a steam locomotive, it’s a train powered by two steam locomotives. Some of our most popular excursions include TVRM’s Summerville Steam Specials, when Southern 630 and 4501 are on the point. While these trips provide a lot of sensory stimulation, a more…