Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc., a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating railroad history in the Chattanooga region. Founded in 1961, the museum serves as a testament to the pivotal role railroads played in shaping American history.
History
The organization was established by Paul H. Merriman and Robert M. Soule, Jr., along with other local enthusiasts, initially functioning as a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Their mission was to rescue steam locomotives and other railway equipment from being scrapped. Over the years, the museum has evolved into a dynamic heritage railroad, hosting various tourist excursions and educational programs.
Early Developments
In the 1960s, the group worked tirelessly to acquire a permanent facility. In 1969, they received a significant land donation from the Southern Railway, which included the historic Whiteside Tunnel, a key section of the Southern Railway's original route dating back to 1858. The tunnel is a major attraction and a key feature of the museum's heritage operations.
Facilities and Operations
The museum is headquartered in East Chattanooga and operates on a section of the former Southern Railway line, featuring a six-mile excursion route. This includes the Missionary Ridge Local, which passes through the Whiteside Tunnel. The museum offers a range of activities, including what is now known as the Hiwassee River Rail Adventures, a popular addition to its operations.
Notable Achievements
In 1980, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has continued to expand, incorporating more tracks and buildings, including a turntable and repair shop. The museum has also been featured in several film productions, showcasing its historic locomotives.
Education and Preservation
The museum's primary mission is to collect, preserve, and operate historic railroad equipment, providing educational programs that highlight the role of railroads in regional development. Through its excursions and exhibitions, the museum aims to recreate an authentic railroading experience, fostering appreciation for a pivotal era in American transportation history.
Current Initiatives
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum remains active in the preservation of steam locomotives, with notable examples like the Southern Railway's #630 and #4501. These locomotives are integral to the museum's excursions and educational missions, offering visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand the sights and sounds of vintage steam railroading.
Edit WikiFounded
1961
85961
Web
Sign in to see organisation website
Traffic
865034
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum | Chattanooga & Delano Train Rides
From Social media
News about from their social media (Facebook and X).
🇺🇸 Honoring History: Vietnam War Display This Weekend 🇺🇸 This Saturday and Sunday, we’re marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with a special equipment display — weather permitting in the wye. Come see authentic Vietnam-era military equipment up close in the exhibit building and, weather permitting, at the wye. This special display is part of our lead-up to Rails to Rockets this fall — connecting transportation and military history across generations.
Like Comment
Data about organisation
CHATTANOOGA
Organisations from TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
9. CHATTANOOGAHAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC
The end-to-end platform for agencies and enterprises.
10. ANKERBERG THEOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Ankerberg Theological Research Institute - Home of The John Ankerberg Show, the most-watched Christian worldview show in America.
11. TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is to collect for preservation, operation,.
12. FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL INC
Welcome to the official page of Riverbend Festival.
Creating meaningful connections between people & animals through education, conservation & engagement.
Similar organisations
Similar organisations to TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC based on mission, location, activites.
We're the oldest public Observatory in the country.
TUBMAN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM INC
The Tubman African American Museum is the largest of its kind in the Southeast.
Supporting programs of music education, preservation and outreach.
Similar Organisations Worldwide
Organisations in the world similar to TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC.
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST LTD (uk)
The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is a charitable company established in 1972.
AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (W.A. DIVISION) INCORPORATED (au)
Information and updates about Rail Heritage WA's museum in Bassendean, our involvement in the South-West Rail and Heritage Centre in Boyanup, and other local rail heritage news and activities.
AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST (uk)
Bristol & Bath's heritage railway.
Interesting nearby
Interesting organisations close by to residence of TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
Beechcraft Heritage Museum Inc
37 distinctive aircraft from 1924 - present day.
TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is to collect for preservation, operation,.
Similar social media (85961)
Organisations with similar social media impact to TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
23727. FREE THE PEOPLE FIGHT THE POWER FOUND
freethepeople.
More learning.
23729. TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is to collect for preservation, operation,.
23730. Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation
財團法人羅慧夫顱顏基金會 設立許可機關日期:行政院衛生署民國78年12月21日 登記字號:衛署醫字第849402號函 顱顏孩子永遠の靠山.
We’re fighting for a toxic-free future for you, your family, and your community.
Similar traffic
Organisations with similar web traffic to TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
72532. TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM INC
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is to collect for preservation, operation,.
Join us and make a difference for the future!
Sign Up
Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)
Sign in with GoogleOr
Good News
Exciting news from Louisiana! 🌱🔋 The recent Act 462 is not just a step towards green energy, but a leap in leadership! This can inspire a new energy renaissance across America. Let's embrace sustainable solutions and hold our leaders accountable! #GreenEnergy #PositiveChange #EduoOrg
Congress Takes A Page From Louisiana: The Case For An American Energy Renaissance
Zero Hedge
Like Comment