Railroad Heritage

Steam Engine 630 Opened Season of Steam 2024 As Steam Engine #630 drifted the rails opening weekend, it stood as a proud emblem of the age of steam. At 120 years old, the engine is not only a marvel of historic engineering but also a symbol of enduring legacy and resilience. Make plans now to…

Steam Engine 630: A Century-Old Engineering Marvel Turned to Life at TVRM At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), history isn’t just displayed; it’s brought to life. One of the most captivating attractions is the turntable demonstration featuring the venerable Steam Engine 630, a 120-year-old locomotive. This unique event allows visitors to step back in…

TVRM East Chattanooga Updates East Chattanooga’s railroad heritage continues to thrive, as recent developments at our local Sheet Metal Shop and various restoration projects demonstrate. Our dedication to preserving this historical legacy was recently highlighted in a Channel 9 interview, showcasing the intricate work and passion that goes into these endeavors. The Legacy of Captain…

Norfolk Southern’s Commitment to Railroad History with $100K Donation We are honored by the continued support from Norfolk Southern of our mission to preserve railroad heritage so the public can experience the Golden Age of Railroading. Pictured here are Stacy Mansfield, Norfolk Southern Director Community Affairs presenting TVRM President Tim Andrews with a check for…

Join Us This Giving Tuesday to Preserve Railroad Heritage Today marks a global day of generosity, #GivingTuesday, a time when communities around the world come together in the spirit of giving. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is proud to take part in this movement, with a focused mission to preserve railroad heritage and increase…

TVRM’s Night at the Ballpark: Conductor Throws First Pitch Tonight marks a special occasion for both baseball fans and railroad enthusiasts as the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) joins the Chattanooga Lookouts for an evening of sport and community spirit. TVRM’s very own Conductor Dave Johnston will be throwing the first pitch of the night,…

TVRM Welcomes a Unique Steam Engine Model from the Reynolds Family The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) recently became the proud custodian of a remarkable piece of railroad history, thanks to a generous donation by the Reynolds family. This exceptional artifact is a handcrafted model steam engine, created between 1903-1905 by Jake A. Dobbins, affectionately…

The Legacy of Martin Treadway: Preserving Telegraph History at TVRM Throwback Thursday brings us a glimpse into the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s (TVRM) rich tapestry of railroad communication history, embodied by former volunteer Martin Treadway. A retired telegraph worker, Mr. Treadway’s contributions went beyond mere volunteering; he was a living bridge to the past, connecting…

Honoring Jim McClellan: The Architect of Modern Railroading The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) joins the railroading community in mourning the loss of a distinguished figure, Jim McClellan, renowned for his profound impact on North America’s railroad industry. In tribute, Steam Locomotive 4501 proudly displays black flags on its smokebox, symbolizing our respect and remembrance….

Southern 4501: Locomotive Tender Restoration Update The restoration journey of Locomotive 4501, a gem in the crown of railroad history, has reached a significant milestone – its tender is nearing completion. This update signifies a leap forward in bringing this iconic steam locomotive back to its former glory, preserving a vital part of our historical…