L&N Topiary - Etowah, TN Topiary is the art of turning shrubs into specific shapes. The shrubs at the historic train station in Etowah, TN are grown into the name of the railroad which made this an important stop.
Santa Fe neon sign - Ft. Worth, TX This neon sign is atop the Santa Fe Freight Building near downtown Fort Worth, TX. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_Freight_Building
Southern Railway - Chattanooga The Southern Railway office building was built in 1924 along Market Street in downtown Chattanooga, not far from the Terminal Station. It was in use until 1983 when Southern merged with Norfolk to become Norfolk Southern. The building was vacant for a while, but a few years ago was converted to apartments.
The Railroad Tower behind the Grassy Knoll - Dallas This is Interlocking Tower 106, built in 1916 and used oversee the trains at the switching yard for the Union Railroad Terminal. More notably, it provided a different vantage point to the Kennedy Assassination on Nov. 22, 1963. Employee Lee Bowers could see the other side of the fence from the Grassy Knoll. He detailed his account to the Warren Commission and they inspire several of the Assassination theories. See the specifics here: www.jfktourdallas.com/the-railroad-tower.html
Katy Railway Building - Dallas en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Building The Katy Building is an eight-floor historic building located in downtown Dallas' West End Historic District at 701 Commerce St. The Katy Building was constructed from 1912–1914 for Dallas businessman Col. John M. Simpson. For over 50 years, the 57,500-square-foot building served as the headquarters for the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad (MKT), which gave the building its name (Katy, short for KT). The seven-story, terra cotta and masonry building was designed by H. A. Overbeck in the Beaux-Arts/Historism style. It featured fire proof construction, office spaces, and a power plant in the basement. Although the MKT occupied most of the building as their headquarters, rental space was available for other businesses as well. While the interior of the building has been extensively renovated over the years, the historic character of the building has been preserved.
Cumberland Gap pedestrian bridge A major railroad tunnel was built in 1889 to connect Cumberland Gap, TN to Middlesboro, KY. A couple years after that, a spur line was constructed to connect Cumberland Gap to Harrogate. The tracks to Harrogate have long been abandoned and was converted to a pedestrian trail. The covered bridge seen here, plus another and a 1200 foot long tunnel are part of this path. The start of the path is about 600 feet to the right and crosses another bridge before arriving here. Continue the trail to the left where it's another 1500 ft. to the old railroad tunnel. The road below is the major entrance into town, formerly US. Highway 25E, but was rerouted with a tunnel.
Cumberland Gap pedestrian bridge A major railroad tunnel was built in 1889 to connect Cumberland Gap, TN to Middlesboro, KY. A couple years after that, a spur line was constructed to connect Cumberland Gap to Harrogate. The tracks to Harrogate have long been abandoned and was converted to a pedestrian trail. The covered bridge seen here, plus another and a 1200 foot long tunnel are part of this path. The start of this trail is just to the right of this picture, and then makes a 150 ft. loop to cross the bridge above. Continue on for another 500 ft. to get to the other bridge. Beyond that, it's another 1500 ft. to the old railroad tunnel. This bridge crosses Gap Creek.
NCStL Section House - DeRossett, TN This 1904 house is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway Section House. A section house is a residence provided by the company for employees who were building the railroad in this area. Very few of these houses remain today. It is located along US70(TN1) in the small White county town of DeRossett and is today known as the Bon Air Coal Miner Railroad Mountain Museum. It's also stop #79 of the Promised Land Trail of the Tennessee Trails and Byways program.
Christmas at the Chattanooga Choo Choo The historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, the former train station which is now a hotel, has now setup their 2022 Christmas Tree. It is located in the middle of the most prominent building, the Grand Terminal. The tree is directly underneath the large dome, so this view is only possible with a wide angle lens.
Don't be a Grinch Seen as graffiti on a train in the Nashville Gulch.
Jackson, TN Depot Mural This mural is in Jackson, TN about a block away from the historic NCStL Passenger Depot. It is signed by "Murals by Les." From this spot, if you turned around, perhaps this is what you would see 100 years ago. The depot is central in the mural, with steam locomotive NCStL #535 getting a water tank refill and ready to pull a couple of passenger cars. On the left is a streetcar travelling down Royal St. In the background, we see the Electo-Chalybeate Well and the Lancaster Park Zoo (now gone). Around the corner, this side of the building faces the Neely House and has a mural depicting this former boarding house.
Gallatin Trains and Trolleys mural This mural from Bryan Deese is just a couple of blocks off the Gallatin town square. in his words: At the start of the 20th century few small towns in America had a transportation infrastructure equal to what could be found in Gallatin. With a passenger train service from the Louisville & Nashville Rail Road that opened in 1858 residents were able to board at Depot Square and travel anywhere in the United States. Locally, shorter trips could be taken on the Nashville Light & Railway's Nashville-Gallatin Interurban RR (trolley) from Main Street and Water Street all the way to downtown Nashville. Gallatin merchants, farmers and manufactures benefited greatly from these railroads, shipping and receiving goods daily on the freight services offered by each company. These transport options were vital to Gallatin’s growth and development during the 19th and 20th centuries. Continue reading here: www.gallatintn.gov/1901/Downtown-Murals
Portland, TN Steam Train mural This mural, which is about a block away from the live CSX tracks in downtown Portland, features the long gone train station and a steam locomotive. It was painted by @USA_PRO_ART and sponsored by Exit Realty.
Central of Georgia Smoke Stack & Water Tank This combination structure built in 1855 is on the grounds of the former Central of Georgia railroad offices in Savannah. Today, this is the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Here is the description from the rail yard's listing on the National Register of historic places. The focus of the Central's shop complex was a 123 foot tall combination smokestack, water tank and privies. This unique structure exhausted the smoke through underground flues from all blacksmith, coppersmith, and boiler shop fires, as well as from the boiler of the stationary steam engine. Around the base are sixteen projecting buttresses forming cells between them with deep vaults which served as privies for the workmen. On top of the buttresses, a sixteen sided, 40,000 gallon water tank, made of decorative cast-iron panels cast by D&W Rose of Savannah, encircled the chimney shaft. Water pumped into the tank supplied the locomotive tenders and stationary steam engine boiler. The chimney also is polygonal, giving the appearance of a fluted circular column with a decorative brick capital and a massive cast-iron cap which has been removed. One other note: On the day before I took this picture in 2018, there were movie crews filming the 2021 release Cruella, so this might be seen in that film. Scenes of the 1989 film Glory have also been filmed here.
The Purple People Bridge This photo was taken in March 2019 from the patio at Barnes & Noble at Newport on the Levee, which closed a few months later. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Southbank_Bridge The Newport Southbank Bridge, popularly known as the Purple People Bridge, stretches 2,670 feet over the Ohio River, connecting Newport, KY to downtown Cincinnati, OH. The original bridge first opened on April 1, 1872, under the name Newport and Cincinnati Bridge, and was Cincinnati's first railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. The bridge piers were built with stone from Adams County, OH The present bridge, which was built on the original piers (which were widened during that work), opened in 1897 to streetcar, pedestrian and automobile traffic. In 1904, the bridge was renamed the L&N Railroad Bridge, and this name remained until the bridge was rehabilitated and re-opened as a pedestrian-only bridge in May 2003. The bridge was closed to railroad traffic in 1987, and later closed to automobile traffic in October 2001 after years of neglect and deterioration. On April 17, 2001, the L&N Railroad Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In late 2001, the city of Newport, Kentucky, and Southbank Partners, an economic development group, used $4 million in state funds to restore the bridge. When it was time to decide on what color to paint it, a variety of options were explored. Computer-generated images of the bridge were shown to participants in more than a dozen focus groups, all of whom picked the color purple as a top choice. It was soon coined the "Purple People Bridge" by area residents. The bridge provides convenient access to the "Newport on the Levee" development in Newport, Kentucky, as well as Downtown Cincinnati. In 2006, it became possible for the public to cross the bridge via its superstructure wearing appropriate safety gear. There are similar bridge climb experiences in Australia and New Zealand. Citing lack of funds and low attendance, the Purple People Bridge Climb closed on May 23, 2007. The bridge remains open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Eva Station Railroad Trail - Signal Lights In 1867, NCStL railroad built a bridge to connect the towns of Eva to Johnsonville across the Tennessee River. After the construction of Kentucky Dam (which caused this section of the Tennessee River to also be Kentucky Lake), the water level was higher and wider. The rail line was then owned by L&N and in 1945 they abandoned this bridge and built a new bridge by New Johnsonville to parallel the US70 bridge. Today, this park is an area known as Eva Beach and is under the oversight of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. A short interpretive path has been created along the old railroad bed. The path features an old mail post, signal lights, and ends with a segment or railroad bridge. From this spot, several portions of the old bridge are visible where earthworks were built to raise the track. I also recommend the scenic overlook at NBF park to view the entire area of the river and see multiple segments.
Eva Station Railroad Trail - Mail Post In 1867, NCStL railroad built a bridge to connect the towns of Eva to Johnsonville across the Tennessee River. After the construction of Kentucky Dam (which caused this section of the Tennessee River to also be Kentucky Lake), the water level was higher and wider. The rail line was then owned by L&N and in 1945 they abandoned this bridge and built a new bridge by New Johnsonville to parallel the US70 bridge. Today, this park is an area known as Eva Beach and is under the oversight of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. A short interpretive path has been created along the old railroad bed. The path features an old mail post, signal lights, and ends with a segment or railroad bridge. From this spot, several portions of the old bridge are visible where earthworks were built to raise the track. I also recommend the scenic overlook at NBF park to view the entire area of the river and see multiple segments.
The Spike that Binds This sculpture is a life-sized man made entirely out of railroad spikes. It's located at the Hattiesburg, MS train station and was unveiled by artist Jason Kimes in 2010 as part of the stations centennial celebration.
Mid South Live Steamers - Columbia, TN Live Steamers are scale model replicas of trains, but big enough to ride. The chapter in middle Tennessee is the Mid South Live Steamers which meets at Maury County Park in Columbia, TN. They have free, open-to-the-public meets twice a year in the spring and fall. Learn more here: www.midsouthlivesteamers.com/ Or see some video from the Spring 2021 Public Meet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfWtD5ShhNQ
Meridian Carousel Tour - Iron Horse Meridian, MS has a series of painted carousel horses around town in honor of the Dentzel Antique Carousel at Highland Park. This one is a steam locomotive themed horse named Iron Horse designed by artist Jim Brashier. It was originally sponsored by Around Town Carousels Abound, but is currently located in front of the Passenger Train Station in downtown Meridian at 1901 Front Street. www.visitmeridian.com/explore/play/around-town-carousels-...
City of Wadley, GA mural This mural is on the north side of the central business district of this small town in Jefferson County along the old US1 highway.
100 Years of Illinois Central - Laurel, MS 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these in every county they served. Often, but not always, the marker is placed at a prominent government building. This one is at the Laurel, MS City Hall facing Yates Ave. in the back. Jones County is along the historic IC which today is an Amtrak route.
100 Years of Illinois Central - Hattiesburg, MS 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these in every county they served. Often, but not always, the marker is placed at a prominent government building. This one is at the Hattiesburg, MS City Hall facing Front St. (US11). Forrest County is along the historic IC which today is an Amtrak route.
Big Four Bridge - Louisville, KY This photo was taken near the Lincoln Memorial at Louisville's Waterfront Park. This bridge now lights up at night for a colorful Photo opportunity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_Bridge The Big Four Bridge is a six-span former railroad truss bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was completed in 1895, updated in 1929, taken out of rail service in 1968, and converted to bicycle and pedestrian use in 2014. The largest single span is 547 feet, with the entire bridge spanning 2,525 feet. It took its name from the defunct Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, which was nicknamed the "Big Four Railroad". Access to the Big Four Bridge is limited to pedestrian and bicycle use. A pedestrian ramp on the Kentucky side was opened on February 7, 2013. The original approaches that carried rail traffic onto the main spans were first removed in 1969, earning the Big Four Bridge the nickname "Bridge That Goes Nowhere". The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge downstream, which carries U.S. 31 across the river, was previously the only bridge allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to travel between Louisville and the neighboring Indiana cities of New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville. In February 2011, Kentucky and Indiana announced that the two states, along with the City of Jeffersonville, would allocate $22 million in funding to complete the Big Four Bridge project, creating a pedestrian and bicycle path to link Louisville and Jeffersonville. Indiana would spend up to $8 million and the City of Jeffersonville would provide $2 million in matching dollars to pay for construction of a ramp to the Big Four Bridge. Kentucky pledged $12 million to replace the deck on the bridge and connect it to the spiral ramp that was completed in Waterfront Park.
Greetings from Smyrna Depot District This 2019 mural is located on the side of a building across Front St. from the Smyrna train depot. The mural is signed by Suzanne Lebeau and sponsored by VisitRutherfordTN.
Little Tunnel - Cumberland Gap, TN A major railroad tunnel was built in 1889 to connect Cumberland Gap, TN to Middlesboro, KY. A couple years after that, a spur line was constructed to connect Cumberland Gap to Harrogate. This tunnel was constructed to get through a 1200 foot long ridge. The bricks you see here are original to the tunnel. The tracks to Harrogate have long been abandoned and was converted to a pedestrian trail. This tunnel and two bridges are part of this path. When US58 was widened, there was a need to extend this tunnel further under the highway; this newer portion is corrugated metal instead of brick. This tunnel is also used by Lincoln Memorial University students who stay in the University Inn dormitory and choose to walk to campus. The best way to visit the tunnel today is on the Cumberland Gap side. At the south end of Roslyn Ave. is Kaitlyn DeVries Dog Park. There is ample parking here and it's about a 500 ft. walk to the entrance.
Visit Laurel, MS Mural "The City Beautiful" Laurel, MS on the Amtrak Crescent Line Yellow Pine Capital of the World -Lucky Luxe This fading mural is on the side of the Marcus Furniture store near downtown Laurel. I took this picture when standing in front of the large train station, where, as noted, is still in use by Amtrak.
Tennessee Central Railway neon sign This sign was built in the 1940s or 50s when Tennessee Central had a freight depot along 1st Ave. in downtown Nashville. Tennessee Central ceased operation in 1968 and the depot was demolished in 1973. At that time, the sign went into storage in a private collection. In 2016, the sign came up for auction and the Tennessee Central Railway Museum was the winning bidder. They restored all of the neon tubing and made the sign operational again. In August 2016, the museum put the sign up at their main building facing Willow St.
Illinois Central Railroad Division Office - Jackson, TN The ca. 1920 Illinois Central Railroad Division Office in Jackson, TN is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the city's railroad prominence. Learn more from the NRHP PDF here: npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/8f429bdb-bf52-416c-9621-b08719...
Western Maryland Railway Bridge - Hagerstown, MD This ornate bridge in Hagerstown, MD allows Burhans Blvd (US11) to pass under the Western Maryland Railway (now CSX) yard tracks. It's tough to photograph, but there's a steam train mural painted on the wall inside. I like the intricate design on the side of the bridge as well as the painted flowers.
B&O Shops West Roundhouse - Martinsburg, WV From Wikipedia: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops is a historic industrial district in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It is significant both for its railroading architecture by Albert Fink and John Rudolph Niernsee and for its role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. It consists of three contributing buildings. The presence of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in Martinsburg dates back to the late 1840s, when the first engine and machine shops were erected for the expanding company. The shops were designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was founded on February 28, 1827. On May 21, 1842, the first steam locomotive arrived in Martinsburg and, later that same year, November 10, the first passenger train. The first roundhouse complex was constructed from 1848-1850. When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the region's social and government institutions were thrown in turmoil. The Civil War decimated both the region and Martinsburg, specifically because of the railroad yards. On May 22, 1861, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops stopped all trains going East at Martinsburg and Point of Rocks during the Great Train Raid of 1861. Once he determined that all of the trains that could be caught were in his trap, he blew up the bridges to the West and blew down the rocks on the tracks to the East, and pirating of the B&O equipment began. In total, 42 locomotives and 386 cars were stolen and destroyed. 36-½ miles of track, 17 bridges, 102 miles of telegraph wire, the “Colonnade” Bridge and the B&O roundhouse and machine shops were destroyed. On October 19, 1862, the roundhouse complex was burned by Confederate troops under Colonel Jackson. In 1866, the B&O began reconstruction of the site. From 1866 to 1872, the present roundhouse complex was re-built. Other major buildings that were built at this time were the West Roundhouse, East Roundhouse, Bridge & Machine Shop, and the Frog & Switch Shop. On July 16, 1877, the first nationwide strike, the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, began when rail workers at Martinsburg started an action to protest pay cuts. Their work and traffic stoppage soon spread across the country. The Martinsburg facilities were used until March 14, 1988, when all local operations were transferred to other locations. On May 14, 1990, vandals set fire to wooden pallets in the East Roundhouse, nearly destroying the building. The Berkeley County Commission purchased the roundhouse complex in 1999–2000, and transferred the property to the newly-created Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority. Restoration and renovation of the complex began at this time. On July 31, 2003, the B&O Roundhouse was designated a National Historic Landmark and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
B&O Shops East Roundhouse ruins - Martinsburg, WV From Wikipedia: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Martinsburg Shops is a historic industrial district in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It is significant both for its railroading architecture by Albert Fink and John Rudolph Niernsee and for its role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. It consists of three contributing buildings. The presence of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in Martinsburg dates back to the late 1840s, when the first engine and machine shops were erected for the expanding company. The shops were designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was founded on February 28, 1827. On May 21, 1842, the first steam locomotive arrived in Martinsburg and, later that same year, November 10, the first passenger train. The first roundhouse complex was constructed from 1848-1850. When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the region's social and government institutions were thrown in turmoil. The Civil War decimated both the region and Martinsburg, specifically because of the railroad yards. On May 22, 1861, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops stopped all trains going East at Martinsburg and Point of Rocks during the Great Train Raid of 1861. Once he determined that all of the trains that could be caught were in his trap, he blew up the bridges to the West and blew down the rocks on the tracks to the East, and pirating of the B&O equipment began. In total, 42 locomotives and 386 cars were stolen and destroyed. 36-½ miles of track, 17 bridges, 102 miles of telegraph wire, the “Colonnade” Bridge and the B&O roundhouse and machine shops were destroyed. On October 19, 1862, the roundhouse complex was burned by Confederate troops under Colonel Jackson. In 1866, the B&O began reconstruction of the site. From 1866 to 1872, the present roundhouse complex was re-built. Other major buildings that were built at this time were the West Roundhouse, East Roundhouse, Bridge & Machine Shop, and the Frog & Switch Shop. On July 16, 1877, the first nationwide strike, the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, began when rail workers at Martinsburg started an action to protest pay cuts. Their work and traffic stoppage soon spread across the country. The Martinsburg facilities were used until March 14, 1988, when all local operations were transferred to other locations. On May 14, 1990, vandals set fire to wooden pallets in the East Roundhouse, nearly destroying the building. The Berkeley County Commission purchased the roundhouse complex in 1999–2000, and transferred the property to the newly-created Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority. Restoration and renovation of the complex began at this time. On July 31, 2003, the B&O Roundhouse was designated a National Historic Landmark and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Huntsville's Roundhouse The historic train depot in Huntsville, AL was originally the headquarters for the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. The depot is now open as a museum. The original roundhouse and turntable have been preserved. The roundhouse has been preserved as an event venue.
Railroad Crossing at the Cream City district (Night) - Cookeville The area around the Tennessee Central train depot is a well preserved historic district in Cookeville. The depot was the crown jewel of the TC system, and several manufacturing warehouses opened in the surrounding area. The most prominent was the Cream City Ice Cream plant. Cream City went out of business, but their spectacular sign is well preserved and lit on special occasions. To see more pictures of the neon sign, Look here!
Railroad Crossing at the Cream City district (Daytime) - Cookeville The area around the Tennessee Central train depot is a well preserved historic district in Cookeville. The depot was the crown jewel of the TC system, and several manufacturing warehouses opened in the surrounding area. The most prominent was the Cream City Ice Cream plant. Cream City went out of business, but their spectacular sign is well preserved and lit on special occasions. To see more pictures of the neon sign, Look here!
Railroad Switchman Statue - Tracy City, TN This statue of a Railroad Switchman named Juke honors the railroad heritage of Tracy City and local railroader Juke Shook. This is located at Tracy City Mini Park, a small triangle-shaped park along US41 in the middle of town.
Chattanooga Bridge Pier Art In Chattanooga, it seems like there are railroad tracks everywhere you go. Here is a spot visible from East 11th St. where there are some abandoned railroad bridge piers that have been painted. Many people might consider useless conrete piers a blight to the community (I wouldn't) but converting it to a community art project looks better. I tried to find more info on this project, but found no results. Other local landmarks: The Chattanooga Choo Choo is in the background and Lookout Mountain completes the backdrop. I like Star Wars but the Stormtrooper seems out of place. See the spot on a google map here: www.google.com/maps/@35.041316,-85.302486,3a,37.5y,244h,8... as a neat before & after comparison, check out what this area looked like in 2007 via google street. totally different: www.google.com/maps/@35.040601,-85.302868,3a,75y,303.61h,...
Collierville, TN Town Square Mural (Right half) Unveiled in 2010, this 100 foot wide by 14 foot tall mural was painted by artist Mark Davey. The mural is located in Collierville's Town Square at the corner of Washington & Main. Scenes include a cotton field, Southern Railway Steam Locomotive #610, the White church, a Civil War cannon, grail silos, and businesses along the square.
100 Years of Illinois Central - Hopkinsville, KY 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these in every county they served. Often, but not always, the marker is placed at the county courthouse. This one is at the Christian County courthouse since the county is along the historic IC which today is an Amtrak route.
Sharon, TN Railroad Mural This mural depicts steam locomotive No.382 running through the countryside. It is located on the side of a building and viewable from Gardner-Crowder park along Main St. (TN89)
Railroad Bas-Relief Etching on John W. Thomas statue Located at Centennial Park, this is one of three of the bas relief etchings on the 1907 John W. Thomas statue in front of the Parthenon. The man in the relief is holding the famous "The General" steam train from the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase. John W. Thomas was the President of NCStL as well as President of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
Cheatham County Bicentennial Trail Bridge (Ver. 3) This bridge was originally built in 1901 by the Tennessee Central Railway as they extended their rail line from Nashville west to Clarksville. Around 1990, the tracks west of Ashland City were abandoned and soon many people wanted to convert the old railbed and this bridge to a pedestrian trail. With a partnership between the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Cheatham County Parks Department, the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail was built and it utilized the old bridge. (The trail parallels the Cumberland River but actually crosses Sycamore Creek.) The iron Parker through truss bridge with a length of 550 ft. was built by American Bridge Co. For the full story: www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringfeatures/trailmonth/a... or: www.cumberlandrivertrail.org/history.htm Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/undeniable-tn-home/ 11 Undeniable Reasons Why Tennessee Will Always Be Home
Doc. The L&N LeprechauN - Erin, TN This combines the two things Erin is known for, it's Irish Heritage and it's placement as a railroad stop on the line that used to run from Memphis to Clarksville. The city of Erin was initially inhabited by Irish laborers working to construct the railroad and the city has remembered its Irish heritage. When the railroad completely pulled out, the town decided to construct a park in the heart of town where the tracks used to be. This park is Betsy Ligon Park. Among the things you can see in the park are a blue L&N Boxcar and Red L&N Caboose (seen in the background) and a picnic pavilion made to look like a train depot. I think the highlight of the park is Doc the leprechaun. He's wearing an L&N Logo conductor cap, with rail worker overalls and gloves. He also has the leprechaun shoes and socks with a clover on his front.
Home of Casey Jones - Jackson, TN According to the historic marker: This is the house where John Luther Jones was living, at the time of his death at the throttle of his engine, "Old 382," at Vaughn, Miss., April 30, 1900. A folk song has immortalized his name. For years, the home operated as a museum to Jones and railroad memorabilia. Originally, this home was located at 211 W. Chester St. and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980, the home was unlisted as the home was relocated. When I look up that address on a map today, I see that the US70 / 45 Bypass is located, so I bet the house was moved to stay open as a museum and avoid demolition. When this home and museum was relocated around 1978, so was the Shaw General Store. The new tourist stop became Casey Jones Village and it is one of the top tourist stops in Tennessee today. Now, if you tour the railroad museum, you can still see the inside of the Casey Jones home.
Photo from the Hiwasee Loop rail line If you've never heard of the Hiwasee loop, it is a location where the tracks loop around a mountain and then crosses over itself to gain elevation in a short space. Here's more from Wikipedia: This route runs eastward along the Hiwassee River to Farner, TN, then south along the Tennessee side of the North Carolina state line, through Ducktown, then the twin towns of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA, then through Epworth before meeting the existing line at Blue Ridge. In order to meet the construction deadline, engineers designed a double switchback, which required that railcars be brought up or down four at a time to and from the river elevation to make the turn out of or into the valley. Extremely inefficient and time-consuming, it was replaced by what is known as the Hiwassee Loop, taking trains nearly twice around Bald Mountain, with the train passing over its own tracks on a wooden trestle. This gave the route the "Hook and Eye Line" nickname, with the "hook" being another switchback in Georgia, and the eye being the loop. (Both were later bypassed before ceasing original operations.) This route was originally part of the Atlanta, Knoxville and Northern Railway. In 1902, they were bought out by Lousiville & Nashville for a complete route from Atlanta to Cincinnati via Knoxville. The route was eventually bypassed by the line that now serves CSX and runs through Etowah. Located seemingly in the middle of nowhere, this spot is virtually inaccessable by any means other than by train. Luckily you can get here by train! Since 2004 Tennessee Valley Railroad has operated the Hiwasee River Rail excursion train. Taking a photo from the train isn't quite the easiest thing to do, so this is the best I can offer until they offer a specialty train that lets us get off at this spot. Here, as we are higher on the mountain, we can see a lower section of the loop thanks to a clearing in the trees. The Hiwasee River is seen in the background and North Carolina is on the other side.
Model Train display inside the Jackson, TN Depot The model train curator shows some of the display to a kid that was visiting the museum.
100 Years of Illinois Central - Jackson, TN 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these in every county they served. This one is located in front of the Madison County Courthouse in Jackson
Waverly 1978 Disaster Site Memorial Museum On February 24, 1978 at 2:55 PM, two days after 24 cars of a Louisville & Nashville train wrecked on this site (The tracks are behind me across a street and behind a fence), workmen were cleaning up when 22,000 pounds of liquid propane fuel from a derailed tanker car ignited and caused a massive explosion. The blast and resulting fire destroyed a great part of Waverly's old town section that included homes and businesses. Sixteen people were killed in the disaster, including Waverly's police and fire chiefs. More than 200 people suffered injury, and damage was in the millions of dollars. Today at this nearby site is an L&N Caboose, which also functions as a museum. Even though I stopped by on a Saturday in January and nobody was around, the door was unlocked. If you happen to arrive when the door is locked, there is a sign in the window for who you can call to have the door unlocked.
Tippy the Dog - Etowah, TN On a recent trip to Etowah and the train station which was central to the town, walking along the grounds I stumbled across this worn headstone for Tippy the Dog. The year is partially worn but Tippy must have lived from 1948 to the 1960s. I don't know if Tippy belonged to one of the railroad Engineers or was just a stray that was particularly fond of one, but whenever the engineer was out, Tippy would wait for him to return. The others would feed and water Tippy until the engineer got back.
Railroad Mural - Paris, TN This mural depicts an Orange and Yellow locomotive pulling a brown caboose which is chased by a couple of anthropomorphic dogs with their pizza and beer. If you'r wondering why there'd be pizza and beer in this mural, it must have been commissioned by a local pizza place. The name PAPA J (not Papa Johns) was painted on the train, and then painted over in a different shade of orange. In Paris, the railroad went right down the middle of Fentress St. and is seen along the street in this picture. The 1896 NCStL depot is just down the street a couple of blocks.
Engineer Street Bridge - Corbin, KY This bridge was originally built by the L&N Railroad at a different location. In 1902, the railroad offered the bridge to the city of Corbin, where it was used for automobile traffic over Lynn Camp Creek for Engineer Street. It was one of only two bridges in Kentucky that was a Pratt through truss with Phoenix columns as it was built by the Phoenix Iron Co. In the early 1990's when the bridge was quite structurally deficient, it was closed to traffic. Since it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the town wanted to save the bridge. Today, it has been rehabilitated as a pedestrian bridge as part of a city park.
100 Years of Illinois Central - Newbern, TN 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these in every county they served. This one is outside the train station in Newbern. Newbern is in Dyer County and is along the historic IC which today is an Amtrak route. (Newbern is one of only two Amtrak stops is TN with Memphis as the other.)
Railroad Mural - Corbin, KY This mural featuring an L&N Steam Train arriving at the station is seen at the passenger depot in Corbin, painted on a long brick wall next to the depot. It was painted by Queen of Arts LLC out of Lexington
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Office Building Neon Sign The Louisville and Nashville Railroad Office Building is an historic building located in downtown Louisville, KY where it was once the headquarters of the important area railroad. The structure is eleven stories tall. The first three stories are made of stonework of rusticated ashlar, with capital-topped pilasters in a series. Floors four to ten have ashlar pilasters framing a finish of red brick. Windows of the building are done in series of three. The attic is 1.5 stories tall, and features the distinctive initials of L&N. It was designed by W. H. Courtenay, the chief architect of the Railroad, in a Beaux Arts style; one of the largest commercial buildings in that architectural style still standing. The original Louisville and Nashville Railroad offices in Louisville were at Second and Main in Louisville, by the entrance of present-day George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge. By 1890, it had become obvious that the building was too overcrowded. It was decided that the office building should be located next to Louisville's Union Station. Construction began in 1902, but its completion was delayed until January 1907, due to difficulties with organized labor in a 1905 steel workers strike. Its total cost was $650,000. It was large enough that after decades of separation, all of the main administrative staff could be in the same building. In the 1970s, about 2,000 L&N employees worked in the building. After L&N was purchased by CSX nearly all of the jobs were moved from Louisville to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1980. In 1984, the state of Kentucky spent $15 million to purchase and renovate the property, retaining the L&N name and neon lights on its upper stories.
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Office Building The Louisville and Nashville Railroad Office Building is an historic building located in downtown Louisville, KY where it was once the headquarters of the imortant area railroad. The structure is eleven stories tall. The first three stories are made of stonework of rusticated ashlar, with capital-topped pilasters in a series. Floors four to ten have ashlar pilasters framing a finish of red brick. Windows of the building are done in series of three. The attic is 1.5 stories tall, and features the distinctive initials of L&N. It was designed by W. H. Courtenay, the chief architect of the Railroad, in a Beaux Arts style; one of the largest commercial buildings in that architectural style still standing. The original Louisville and Nashville Railroad offices in Louisville were at Second and Main in Louisville, by the entrance of present-day George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge. By 1890, it had become obvious that the building was too overcrowded. It was decided that the office building should be located next to Louisville's Union Station. Construction began in 1902, but its completion was delayed until January 1907, due to difficulties with organized labor in a 1905 steel workers strike. Its total cost was $650,000. It was large enough that after decades of separation, all of the main administrative staff could be in the same building. In the 1970s, about 2,000 L&N employees worked in the building. After L&N was purchased by CSX nearly all of the jobs were moved from Louisville to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1980. In 1984, the state of Kentucky spent $15 million to purchase and renovate the property, retaining the L&N name and neon lights on its upper stories.
Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail Bridge near Sunset The bridge in the photo here does not cross the Cumberland River, but instead is a bridge that's now part of the "Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail" in Cheatham County. Instead, the bridge crosses Sycamore Creek less than a mile before it runs into the Cumberland River. The Parker Through Truss bridge was originally built by the American Bridge Co. in 1901. The railroad bridge was built by Tennessee Central railway as part of their line that connected Nashville to Clarksville. This portion of line has long since been abandoned (although the current short line Nashville & Western uses the line from Nashville to Ashland City). In the Mid to late 1990's, the Ashland City Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Rails to Trails conservancy to convert the former rail line into a the pedestrian trail. For more info about the trail, insluding directions to the entrance, visit their website here: cumberlandrivertrail.org/
Cincinnati From Above #15 Cincinnati Southern Railroad Bridge For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. www.cincinnati-transit.net/southern.html
Southern Serves the South Look Ahead - Look South This faded and cracking Southern logo was seen on a vintage passenger railcar at the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum in Chattanooga.
Railroad Bridge over Barren Fork - McMinnville, TN I can't find too much information on how old this bridge is, but there was a railroad line that ran from McMinnville to Tullahoma before the Civil War. During the war, the north destroyed every bridge on this line between the two cities, including the one that crossed the Barren Fork River, which I assume is at this same spot. Originally, there were multiple mills up and down the river through here, but in 1902, a hydroelectric dam was built, but is not in use anymore. According to a photo on the historical marker nearby, this bridge was already here when the dam was built. At one time, the bridge was used by NCStL, and then by L&N, and then by CSX. Today, the tracks are used by the short line Caney Fork & Western Railroad, which connects CSX from Tullahoma to Manchester and Sparta. There are a couple of kids sitting on the nearest pier. Can you see them?
Railroad Bridge over Barren Fork - McMinnville, TN I can't find too much information on how old this bridge is, but there was a railroad line that ran from McMinnville to Tullahoma before the Civil War. During the war, the north destroyed every bridge on this line between the two cities, including the one that crossed the Barren Fork River, which I assume is at this same spot. Originally, there were multiple mills up and down the river through here, but in 1902, a hydroelectric dam was built, but is not in use anymore. According to a photo on the historical marker nearby, this bridge was already here when the dam was built. The dam is on the National register of Historic Places. At one time, the bridge was used by NCStL, and then by L&N, and then by CSX. Today, the tracks are used by the short line Caney Fork & Western Railroad, which connects CSX from Tullahoma to Manchester and Sparta. There are a couple of kids sitting on the nearest pier. Can you see them?
Falls of the Ohio Bridge Northern Abutment The Falls of the Ohio bridge crosses the Ohio River from Louisville, KY on the south side to Indiana on the north side. The railroad bridge which is still in use dates back to 1919 with piers dating to 1870, so I suspect this area also dates to 1868. Made of stone with severals arhed doorways and windows, it looks like a castle. The entrances are all covered by a chain link fence, but when looking inside, the whole interior is hollow, with more vines growing along the walls. None of the resources I have checked know the original purpose of the structure.
Model Train Version of Nashville Landmarks: Union Station For many years, Nashville had a Children's Museum on Second Ave. S. At the time, they had a large model train display which involved 1:48 O-scale trains rumbling around scaled replicas of local landmarks, such as Union Station, the L&C Tower and Woodmont Christian Church. The Childrens museum was relocated in 1974 to Fort Negley hill where it became the Cumberland Science Museum (and is now the Adventure Science Center). The model trains were not a part of the relocation and are now part of the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. These O Gauge buildings were built to scale using light wood, paper, cardboard, and glue by members of the Nashville Association of Model Engineers around 1955.
Model Train Version of Nashville Landmarks: L&C Tower For many years, Nashville had a Children's Museum on Second Ave. S. At the time, they had a large model train display which involved 1:48 O-scale trains rumbling around scaled replicas of local landmarks, such as Union Station, the L&C Tower and Woodmont Christian Church. The Childrens museum was relocated in 1974 to Fort Negley hill where it became the Cumberland Science Museum (and is now the Adventure Science Center). The model trains were not a part of the relocation and are now part of the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. These O Gauge buildings were built to scale using light wood, paper, cardboard, and glue by members of the Nashville Association of Model Engineers around 1955.
Model Train Version of Nashville Landmarks: Woodmont Christian Church For many years, Nashville had a Children's Museum on Second Ave. S. At the time, they had a large model train display which involved 1:48 O-scale trains rumbling around scaled replicas of local landmarks, such as Union Station, the L&C Tower and Woodmont Christian Church. The Childrens' museum was relocated in 1974 to Fort Negley hill where it became the Cumberland Science Museum (and is now the Adventure Science Center). The model trains were not a part of the relocation and are now part of the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. These O Gauge buildings were built to scale using light wood, paper, cardboard, and glue by members of the Nashville Association of Model Engineers around 1955.
NC&StL Logo on Bridge I suppose these are fairly common, but I took a picture of it because I'd never seen one before. Or maybe I'd seen it a bunch of times, but never noticed it before. This is on the south side of Chattanooga along St. Elmo Ave near the intersection of 33rd St. Is logo even the right word for this, or is it sheild, marker, or something else? On the other side, the etched L had fallen off.
Tennessee Central Railway Museum Located at the site of the TC headquarters, most of the Tennessee Central Buildings are gone, but several still remain. The actual museum is held in the building seen here, which was used as the Master Mechanic's shop. Also inside is a small gift shop and a model train hobby shop. Today, the museum is best known for its excursion trains. From here, it's a short walk to the tracks to see their restored passenger cars as well as their other rolling stock. For more info: www.tcry.org/
Southern Used to Serve the South Southern Railway used to serve the south. When they did, this was their motto. Now, of course, Southern is part of Norfolk Southern. This old freight car with the rusty letters was seen at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.
Cookeville, TN Model Depot. The wonderfully preserved Tennessee Central Depot in Cookeville, TN has been converted into a museum. As soon as you walk in, there's a model train display replicating what Cookeville looked like back when the depot was in use.
Norfolk & Western schedule - Roanoke, VA The important Norfolk & Western Railroad Depot in Roanoke, VA has been preserved for today's visitors. The building houses the O. Winston Link museum of Railroad Photography as well as a Roanoke Tourist Information Center. Also preserved is the train schedule board. Like a snapshot from a day in the past, the schedule shows all the incoming and outgoing passenger trains on June 19, 1955.
100 Years of Illinois Central marker Seen in Ripley, TN at the Lauderdale County Courthouse grounds. 1851-1951 Mainline of Mid-America. In 1951, IC placed one of these at the county seat of every county they served.
The Dome ceiling inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo This information was taken from the Chattanooga Choo Choo website: The Terminal Station was erected in 1908, with its centerpiece - a magnificent dome - that rose majestically over the concourse. Built of steel and concrete and buttressed by huge brick arches, the dome rested on four steel supports 75 feet apart. Suspended from the ceiling were four brass chandeliers, each with 40 lights circling an 18-inch opal globe. From an architectural standpoint, this dome over the entire 68 x 82 foot general waiting rooms was the most attractive design feature of its time. It was on the underside of this dome, the part in view above the waiting room, that the only attempt to decorate in colors was made -- artistic plaster embellishments of heraldic emblems, which are now fully restored. The dome was truly lavish and beautiful in its different prismatic colors, especially when lighted at night. www.choochoo.com/thetrainstation.php?dest=62 This photo was taken near noon on a sunny day. Train service stopped in 1970, and the depot was converted to a Hotel. The main room with the dome is now the hotel lobby
Radford, VA Railroad painting Radford is a medium-sized town with quite a railroad presence, with lots of NS trains running between the historic downtown and the river. At this particular spot in the parking lot, the fence keeping wayward souls from the tracks was painted with a nice train mural with the name of the town spelled out. I couldn't fully decipher the name, but looked like K. Smith 2010 Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-baseball/2013/3/6/4064...
Tates Crossing, TN Flag Station This train flag station was in use at Tates Crossing near Mt. Juliet from 1870 until 1935. During these 65 years it was used by Tennessee and Pacific Railroad and then by NCStL. This flag station was closed when NCStL built newer tracks that went a farther distance. (The older tracks were removed and the railroad bed became Division Street and Old Railroad Bed Road. Nearly 6 decades after it wasn't used anymore, the owner gave it to the western Wilson County Historical society, where it was restored. A few years later it was donated to be part of Fiddler's Grove, a collection of historical buildings from around the county placed at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.
Stone From Bridge Abutment Montgomery County Bicentennial 1776-1976 Stone from bridge abutment Virginia-Tennessee Railroad 1848-1855 Located in the town square of Christiansburg, VA
Emory River Railroad Bridge This Warren Camelback Truss bridge was built by L&N in 1910 over the Emory River in Harriman, TN. Today, the bridge is in use so that CSX can deliver coal cars to the TVA Kingston Steam Plant via trackage rights with NS. The main span is 23 feet long, although there is a lengthy approach on both sides. The bridge also parallels highway US27 across the river.
Red on Gray L&N Logo This was seen on an L&N painted caboose at the Cookeville, TN Depot Museum
Restoring a Caboose For many years, the way to move from town to town was by train. Then, over time, better roads and airplanes made passenger trains obsolete. This left many of the small town train depots vacant. Fast forward a couple of decades, and many small towns had to decide whether they were going to allow their stations to continue to decay. Sometimes, they were purchased to becomes someone's business. Better yet, many cities decided to try and preserve their depots to remember their railroad heritage. A community preserved passenger depot would open as a museum, often with free admission. Inside, the museum would display whatever railroad memorabilia they could get locals to donate. Outside, they would like to get some trains, and many would acquire a steam locomotive, or more frequently a caboose, which the railroad companies don't really utilize often anymore. Many of the railroad museums operate on a shoestring budget, relying solely on donations and work from volunteers. One such volunteer is seen here hoping to restore an L&N Caboose to its former glory. This is seen at the depot museum in the small town of Lynnville, TN in Giles County. I last saw this caboose in 2008, and at the time, its faded red surely needed a paint job. I'm glad to see that it was able to happen.
Inside the Cowan, TN Depot Museum This was the depot's biggest room, with the old passenger benches. Also seen is the departure / arrival board which now lists the names of former railroad employees on small engraved metal plaques. For my other Cowan Railroad Museum pictures, look here: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/cowanrailroadm...
Inside the Cowan, TN Depot Museum At the depot's bay window is a mannequin telegraph operator, a sight common to many vintage depots that have become museums. For my other Cowan Railroad Museum pictures, look here: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/cowanrailroadm...
Cowan, TN Depot Days Cowan Depot Days is a yearly town festival to help raise money to preserve and restore the town's historic passenger train depot. On display is this painted window from the 2010 Depot Days, depicting the very picturesque but rarely accessible entrance to the historic Cumberland Mountain Tunnel. (As the train emerges from the actual tunnel cut through the mountain, it passes underneath an arch bridge for a second train line.
Cheekwood: Trains! 1 State Capitol and Southern Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Cheekwood: Trains! 2 Chester Inn and Chessie Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Cheekwood: Trains! 4 York Mill and V&T RR Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhibit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Cheekwood: Trains! 5 Parthenon and Chessie Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Cheekwood: Trains! 6 chessie around the bend Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Cheekwood: Trains! 8 Beale Street and Tweetsie Three buildings of Beale Street are represented here: The Daisy Theater, King's Palace Restaurant and A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store. Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
"Safety Line" "Please stand behind the line for your safety." This suggestion goes back to the earliest days of passenger trains. This is seen at the Stevenson, AL Train depot where after many decades the line is tough to see. The words Safety Line is etched on the ground in the concrete.
Railroad Crossing - Erin, TN The town of Erin remembers it's railroad heritage even though the tracks have long since been removed. This area is now Betsy Ligon Park.
Little River Railroad water tower I assume this is a replica made for the Little River Railroad museum in Townsend, TN
Doc. The L&N LeprechauN I love this. it combines the two things Erin was known for, it's Irish Heritage and it's placement as a railroad stop on the line that used to run from Memphis to Clarksville The city of Erin was initially inhabited by Irish laborers working to construct the railroad and the city has remembered its Irish heritage. When the railroad completely pulled out, the town decided to construct a park in the heart of town where the tracks used to be. This park is Betsy Ligon Park. Among the things you can see in the park are a blue L&N Boxcar and Red L&N Caboose (both seen in the background) and a picnic pavilion made to look like a train depot. I think the highlight here is Doc the leprechaun. He's wearing an L&N Logoed cap, with rail worker overalls and gloves. He also has the leprechaun shoes and socks with a clover on his front. UPDATE: I saw an older picture of doc, and he used to hold a light in his right hand, but that lantern is missing right now.
L&N Depot neon sign - Knoxville, TN The old L&N Station located at World's Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville doesn't service passenger trains anymore. However, the buiding is still in use for retail shops and the old neon sign still works
Little River Railroad Co. Logo painted on the side of Dorothy, the steam locomotive at the Little River Railroad museum in Townsend, TN
Dutchman's Curve Dutchman's curve is the location of the deadliest train wreck in U.S. history, and it happened in Nashville. Human error on the NCStL line mistakenly thinking the tracks were clear allowed a train to proceed with another coming in. The two train engineers couldn't see each other as they approached around a curve and crashed into each other at full speed. At the time, it wasn't uncommon for passenger cars to be made of wood, and on impact the cars essentially disintegrated. All told, on the day of July 9, 1918, over 100 people died. The exact spot the two trains collided is a little difficult to determine, but the wreckage covered a lengthy area. Today, the area is commemorated in a sublte way. As one of the Nashville Greenways, the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation added a Wayside along the Richland Creek Greenway at a location near where the wreckage had been. The original railroad bed has been replaced with newer tracks that are built higher up. The small memorial is at a spot between bridge masonry abutments along the old line. These predate the Civil War and were built by the nearly forgotten Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. The tracks here used to cross Bosley Road, which is also long gone. A train wheel and a connector is embedded into the concrete here. A metal bar and some other miscellaneuos unsecured pieces were here the day I was. I suppose someone found them and just laid them there. A few feet from the old Bosley Road Underpass is where the tracks cross Richland Creek. The modern bridge is about 15 feet high. The old pier remains here also. A pedestrian bridge crosses Richland Creek Also, and then it's only a few more feet to the memorial. For additional views, look here.
Dutchman's Curve Dutchman's curve is the location of the deadliest train wreck in U.S. history, and it happened in Nashville. Human error on the NCStL line mistakenly thinking the tracks were clear allowed a train to proceed with another coming in. The two train engineers couldn't see each other as they approached around a curve and crashed into each other at full speed. At the time, it wasn't uncommon for passenger card to be made of wood, and on impact the cars essentially disintegrated. All told, on the day of July 9, 1918, over 100 people died. The exact spot the two trains collided is a little difficult to determine, but the wreckage covered a lengthy area. Today, the area is commemorated in a sublte way. As one of the Nashville Greenways, the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation added a Wayside along the Richland Creek Greenway at a location near where the wreckage had been. The original railroad bed has been replaced with newer tracks that are built higher up. The small memorial is at a spot between bridge masonry abutments along the old line. These predate the Civil War and were built by the nearly forgotten Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. The tracks here used to cross Bosley Road, which also long gone. A train wheel and a connector is embedded into the concrete here. A metal bar and some other miscellaneuos unsecured pieces were here the day I was. I suppose someone found them and just laid them there. A few feet from the old Bosley Road Underpass is where the tracks cross Richland Creek. The modern bridge is about 15 feet high. The old pier remains here also. A pedestrian bridge crosses Richland Creek Also, and then it's only a few more feet to the memorial. For additional views, look here.
Dutchman's Curve Dutchman's curve is the location of the deadliest train wreck in U.S. history, and it happened in Nashville. Human error on the NCStL line mistakenly thinking the tracks were clear allowed a train to proceed with another coming in. The two train engineers couldn't see each other as they approached around a curve and crashed into each other at full speed. At the time, it wasn't uncommon for passenger card to be made of wood, and on impact the cars essentially disintegrated. All told, on the day of July 9, 1918, over 100 people died. The exact spot the two trains collided is a little difficult to determine, but the wreckage covered a lengthy area. Today, the area is commemorated in a subtle way. As one of the Nashville Greenways, the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation added a Wayside along the Richland Creek Greenway at a location near where the wreckage had been. The original railroad bed has been replaced with newer tracks that are built higher up. The small memorial is at a spot between bridge masonry abutments along the old line. These predate the Civil War and were built by the nearly forgotten Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. The tracks here used to cross Bosley Road, which also long gone. A train wheel and a connector is embedded into the concrete here. A metal bar and some other miscellaneous unsecured pieces were here the day I was. I suppose someone found them and just laid them there. A few feet from the old Bosley Road Underpass is where the tracks cross Richland Creek. The modern bridge is about 15 feet high. The old pier remains here also. A pedestrian bridge crosses Richland Creek Also, and then it's only a few more feet to the memorial. For additional views, look here. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-disaster/ This Is Definitely The Most Horrifying Disaster That Ever Happened In Tennessee
09 TN State Fair #133: Model Train Display Again this year, a model train display was set up by a local club. In this photo, a train engine goes through an industrial part of town. Of extra importance to me is the Rock City ad in the background. The brick building on the left is a meat packing plant. If you look closely on the left, you can see some meat wating to be loaded on a train. You can get anything for model trains.
To and From Dixieland This is the slogan on the side of trains from the NCStL days
CSX Bridge over the Stones River seen from the Stones River Greenway n Murfreesboro at the Manson Pike Trailhead. I waited a while for a train but didn't get lucky. I'm not sure how old the bridge is, but the train line pre-dates the civil war
Drive under a huge train bridge On an old road surrounded by lush overgrowth, it seems like there's no imaginable reason to be driving over here unless you want a closer look at the impressive span of the train bridge that crosses the Duck River. At one time I suspect was many decades ago this road was TN Highway 50 and was the main way west out of Centerville. For more info on this bridge: bridgehunter.com/tn/hickman/centerville-rr/
Sewanee, TN Train Depot (?) - University Supply Store Thanks to my new favorite resource for finding old train stations, depotmaps.com, I found a listing for Sewanee, TN. All the other resources I used said the depot in Sewanee was gone. I suppose it you were lokking for architecture in the area, this building would be low on your list of priorities. Since this was the first I had heard of it, I did a little more research. I used the address for this depot from DepotMaps and looked it up on Google Maps street view. this building resembles a depot, with the long, narrow building and roof that overhangs further from the building. Plus, it's made from the same stone that everything else in Sewanee is made of. In a recent trip to Chattanooga, I had about 30 minutes to swing by the University of the South and try to find out if this was indeed an old depot. Today this building is a bookstore or "University Supply Store". Inside, there were two employees on duty. I asked the first on if this had ever been a depot and she said it was been a lot of things, but never a depot. I later asked the other lady. She said that it never had been and then corrected herself that it was. Looking for further proof, in the bookstore section about the school was a historical guide to selected older buildings with this depot on the cover, a picture taken in the 30's showing the building as an NCStL depot, with the tracks running behind the depot.
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History In Kennessaw, GA, this museum's main feature is housing a locomotive "General" About 6 A.M. on April 12, 1862, a Federal spy and contraband merchant, James J. Andrews, of Ky, together with 18 soldiers and one civilian seized "General" and three box cars while the train crew and passengers were eating breakfast at the Lacy Hotel. Intedning to sabotge the state railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, the raiders steamed north to destroy track and burn bridges. They were foiled in this attempt by the persistant pursuit of conducter of the train Capt. W.A. Fuller, Fireman Jeff Cain and Anthony Murphy of the Atlanta Railroad shops, after a chase of 87 miles at the tracks a few feet from this location.
William A. Fuller marker Kennesaw, GA About 6 A.M. on April 12, 1862, a Federal spy and contraband merchant, James J. Andrews, of Ky, together with 18 soldiers and one civilian seized "General" and three box cars while the train crew and passengers were eating breakfast at the Lacy Hotel. Intedning to sabotge the state railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, the raiders steamed north to destroy track and burn bridges. They were foiled in this attempt by the persistant pursuit of conducter of the train Capt. W.A. Fuller, Fireman Jeff Cain and Anthony Murphy of the Atlanta Railroad shops, after a chase of 87 miles at the tracks a few feet from this location.
Locomotive "General" marker Kennesaw, GA About 6 A.M. on April 12, 1862, a Federal spy and contraband merchant, James J. Andrews, of Ky, together with 18 soldiers and one civilian seized "General" and three box cars while the train crew and passengers were eating breakfast at the Lacy Hotel. Intedning to sabotge the state railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, the raiders steamed north to destroy track and burn bridges. They were foiled in this attempt by the persistant pursuit of conducter of the train Capt. W.A. Fuller, Fireman Jeff Cain and Anthony Murphy of the Atlanta Railroad shops, after a chase of 87 miles at the tracks a few feet from this location.
09 TN State Fair #30: Model Trains Again this year, a model train display was set up. Shown here are some of the model train engines that weren't running at the moment. Closest to the camera is a local "Tennessee Central" train, as well as a Burlington Northern and BNSF Hello to anyone who found this here: thebestlibrary.net/wordpress/blog/archives/2066 CHOO CHOO… THE MODEL TRAIN SHOW IS COMING!
Union Station scheduling chart Inside the lobby of Nashville's Union Station, behind the front desk, is this chart showing all of the train schedules. It is held over from the days that the station was a thriving train depot, show many departures and arivals, North and South, and both companies which serviced the area, L&N and NC&StL. On the marble counter-top are three apples.
Art of Nashville's Union Station When Union Station opened in Nashville in 1900, visitors were amazed at the impressiveness of the station, and in particular the artwork in the lobby. On each end of the lobby is a massive clock, with a figure on either side and above a bas-relief sculpture. Shown here are two female figures, Miss Louisville and Miss Nashville, the namesake cities for the L&N railroad. The sculpture is of a steam locomotive, engine #108. The last trian pulled up at Union Station in the 70's. In the late 80's the station was opened as a hotel, and in 2007 the entire lobby underwent an extensive renovation, which involved cleaning the sculpture and polishing the gold leaf.
Art of Nashville's Union Station When Union Station opened in Nashville in 1900, visitors were amazed at the impressiveness of the station, and in particular the artwork in the lobby. On each end of the lobby is a massive clock, with a figure on either side and above a bas-relief sculpture. Shown here are two figures, one female and one male, angels representing time and progress. The sculpture is an Egyptian pharoah in a chariot. The last trian pulled up at Union Station in the 70's. In the late 80's the station was opened as a hotel, and in 2007 the entire lobby underwent an extensive renovation, which involved cleaning the sculpture and polishing the gold leaf.
Art of Union Station: Chariot sculpture When Union Station opened in Nashville in 1900, visitors were amazed at the impressiveness of the station, and in particular the artwork in the lobby. On each end of the lobby is a massive clock, with a figure on either side and above a bas-relief sculpture. Shown here is one of those sculptures. This one depicts an Egyptian pharoah in a chariot. The last trian pulled up at Union Station in the 70's. In the late 80's the station was opened as a hotel, and in 2007 the entire lobby underwent an extensive renovation.
Inside Nashville's Union Station: Fireplace On the main floor of the Union Station is this exquisite fireplace made of Kentucky Limestone
Railroad Crossing & Cream City sign located at the train depot, Cookeville, TN
Looking through the trestle This is a section of the massive wooden trestle of the Centerville, TN Railroad Bridge. You can see through a long segment of the trestle until the end where there is a stone pier for the truss part of the bridge over the Duck River.
Inside Union Station HDR 2 Qtpfsgui 1.8.12 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Fattal Parameters: Alpha: 0.277 Beta: 0.942 Color Saturation: 1 Noise Reduction: 0 ------ PreGamma: 0.758 I don't use HDR all too often,but there are certain places where I feel that it works with what I am trying to accomplish. Inside Nashville's majestic 1900 Union Station felt like one such place I should use it. Much of the building is majestic, and the main lobby is about 4 to 5 stories tall. Trains ceased coming to the station in 1979, but in 1990 it was restored and opened as a luxury hotel.
Inside Union Station HDR 1: Ceiling Qtpfsgui 1.8.12 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Drago Parameters: Bias: 0.85 ------ PreGamma: 0.515 I don't use HDR all too often,but there are certain places where I feel that it works with what I am trying to accomplish. Inside Nashville's majestic 1900 Union Station felt like one such place I should use it. Much of the building is majestic, and the main lobby is about 4 to 5 stories tall. Trains ceased coming to the station in 1979, but in 1990 it was restored and opened as a luxury hotel. View large size to see the full detail of the stained glass ceiling. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/incredible-na... These 20 Incredible Places in Nashville Will Drop Your Jaw To The Floor
Cumberland Mtn Tunnel Marker A marker in honor of a historically significant tunnel along the railroad from Nashville to Chattanooga. They couldn't go over or around the mountain ridge, so they had to go through it. It's my understanding that this marker used to be at the tunnel, where nobody but train people could see it. Now it is in Cowan, TN, near the depot at the base of the ascent.
Inside the Lynnville, TN Depot train museum
Commerce St. Pedestrian Bridge Clarksville, tn a segment of the Cumberland Riverwalk takes advantage of an old abandoned train bridge over Commerce Street. I only spent about 3 hours in Clarksville, but I'm wanting to go back. There seemed to be a few of these old bridges just south of the center of town that I would like to examine when I have more time.
Depot Station Cafe Chapel Hill, TN along Highway U.S. 31A. The tracks aren't really close to the center of Chapel Hill.
Looking inside the Hohenwald Depot The 1896 Hohenwald, TN depot has been preserved as a museum.
Hohenwald Train Depot Hohenwald was settled by Swiss immigrants. (Hence, the Swiss logo on the sign) The name translates to "High Forest"
Bell Buckle Mural left half Great Mural - Tough to photograph location as this is sort of facing an alley. Bell Buckle is now home to the famous RC Cola and Moon Pie festival which will take place on Sat, June 21. I plan on being there, but I also wanted to visit the small town and enjoy the charm on a day when a large number of people don't show up. On the far left is a black TN Walking horse. In the tree, it mentions WEBB School, the city's most famous school. Next is the city's red L&N Train caboose. Having to work two windows into the mural, the red barn is painted with two windows. In the mian window is a cow with a bell hanging out the window. The cow is licking the boys ice cream cone. In the other window is a blue ribbon winning TN walking horse
Train Bridge Train bridge over the Caney Fork River which is on the border of Warren and White county. At this spot, the street forms a bridge over the tracks creating this vantage point
Rusty train bridge This is the Really old rotating train bridge that crosses the Cumberland River in Downtown Nashville. I heard the train coming so I ran over here as fast as I could, and then after it finished, (and when no one was looking) I crawled up here.
Abandoned incline tracks at abandoned park There are several of these mysterious tracks at Lock One park in Nashville. This area was a lock on the cumberland river during the early 20th century and then when new locks were built elsewhere, it became a boat dock and city park. Then, most people stopped using it as a pack around the 50's. There's bound to be a lot of history here, but I can't find much on the area
The NEW Sherwood Motel It's a lousy photo with the window reflection showing up, but I love this building, the NEW Sherwood Hotel.
Figures of the NCStL Locomotive
Centennial Park NCStL Locomotive
NCStL Locomotive Marker
Broadway Dinner Train sign I was surprized to see this sign for a couple of reasons. Those are the music city star tracks now, but a few years back, before they went out of business, the Broadway Dinner Train used the tracks. However, the placement of the sign is what I find odd: The sign is facing away from the city. I saw it from the Shelby St. Bridge, but if I recall correctly, the dinner train went out of business before the bridge was opened for pedestrians. Since this sign is facing the river, I guess they are targeting passengers on the Gen. Jackson riverboat.
Normandy, TN - Population: 141 This cute little town is located on what used to be the major road of its day, the Dixie Highway (back in the 1930s). Now, I don't think any highway will get you there. I found this town one day while I was tracing the Dixie Highway in Bedford County.
9:15 Sunset I live on the wrong side of the Eastern/Central time zone border. I hate it in the winter when sundown is before 5:00 in Nashville. My wife and I can spend a full vacation day around town, and then return to our 15th story hotel room in the downtown Cincinnati Hyatt in time to see the sunset just above the ridge and Union Terminal. The convention center is in the foreground. This pic was taken in late June 2004.
