Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Organization Overview
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is to collect for preservation, operation, interpretation, and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public concerning the role of railroads in the history and development of our region. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga has a rich history dating back to the arrival of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in 1850. The city quickly became a hub for rail-based industries, and its strategic importance during the Civil War further cemented its reputation as a major railroad center. In the 1950s and 1960s, however, the rise of interstates and airlines led to a decline in the rail industry, and passenger operations all but ended. Despite these challenges, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has preserved the history and legacy of rail transportation in the region and offers a range of exciting excursions and events for visitors to enjoy.