Exhibit Building

he Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is one of the oldest and largest operating historic railroads in the southeast, celebrating 60 years in operation. In 1961, a group of individuals founded the museum after the Southern Railway converted to diesel locomotives, preserving the golden age of railroading. Through the efforts of members, volunteers, and supporters, the museum has recreated a small-scale 1930s railroad with original equipment and a 1858 right-of-way. The museum’s collection has expanded over time with donations of locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and other artifacts from various railroads, even receiving significant diesel locomotives from the U.S. Army. Today, the museum has grown from a small shed to a multi-site experience that covers all aspects of railroad preservation and continues to preserve the golden age for present and future generations.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

n the early 20th century, train travel was a luxurious experience, with companies like Pullman offering first-class services with innovative features such as air conditioning, personalized service, and top-notch car production. After World War II, the silver age of streamliners saw railroads revamping the passenger travel aesthetic to compete with new forms of transportation. This transformation included updated car designs, high-speed schedules, dome cars, and sleek mid-century modern designs.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum