Railroad Preservation

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Awarded Save America’s Treasures Grant The National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services announced on Friday September 9, 2022, $24.25 million in Save America’s Treasures grants to fund 80 projects in…

Union Depot: A Journey Through Time in Chattanooga’s Railway History Union Depot, once a bustling hub in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, stood as a testament to the city’s rich railway history. This monumental structure was served by two major railways: the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway (later part of the Louisville & Nashville)…

Remembering Jim Wrinn: A Pillar of the Railroad Community Yesterday marked a somber day for the railroad community as we said our goodbyes to Jim Wrinn, a beacon of support, talent, and friendship. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) deeply feels this loss. Jim wasn’t just an editor, writer, or photographer; he was an advocate…

Soule Shops Update: GP7 No. 1829 Back on Track! From the bustling grounds of Soule Shops, we bring you some behind-the-scenes news on one of our beloved locomotives, GP7 No. 1829. As with all vintage machinery, maintaining these historic trains is akin to nurturing a living piece of history. Recently, our diligent crew noticed an…

Pullman Porters: Catalysts of Change in U.S. Railways In the golden age of American passenger railway service, luxury sleeping cars spelled elegance and sophistication, with the name “Pullman” becoming almost synonymous with such opulence. As passengers luxuriated in comfort, it was the Pullman Porters, primarily African-American men, who maintained the high standards of service that…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is excited to announce the acquisition of two EMD F7 locomotives, numbers 576 and 578, from the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey. This acquisition not only adds to our rich collection but also ensures the preservation of two valuable pieces of railway history. A Journey from Mississippi…

Autumn Train Adventures in East Tennessee Autumn in East Tennessee is nothing short of magical. The landscape is painted with a mesmerizing palette of fall colors, and the crisp cool temperatures add to the charm. This weekend, there’s an added reason to venture outdoors and soak in the enchanting views: two captivating train rides that…

TVRM’s Tribute: Marines Guarding U.S. Mail in the 1920s The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring 20s”, was a decade filled with excitement, jazz, flappers, and immense cultural shifts. But beyond the music and dance, the decade holds a significant place in the annals of railroad history. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is…

October 8, 2021 Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Celebrates 60 Years of Preserving Railroad History Chattanooga, TN — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has been preserving railroad history since 1961, and this month, it is kicking off a year-long celebration that will highlight the museum’s 60-year heritage with two weekends of special events and displays….

Fall Colors Aboard the Hiwassee River Gorge Train October’s arrival heralds the onset of mesmerizing fall colors, and what better way to bask in nature’s splendor than aboard a train journey through the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge? The golden hues of autumn leaves, coupled with the serene backdrop of the gorge, promise a visual treat…