About Us
It was a chance happening. A group of railfans met trackside one day and friendships were made. It was agreed by all that a new chapter of the National Railway Historical Society was needed for the Johnson City, TN region and on May, 1981 the Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society was charted as a non-profit, all volunteer, and educational organization dedicated to a unified goal of preserving rail related history. In 1981 the chapter boasted 53 members.In May, 1982 the Watauga Valley Chapter entered the world of excursion service, by hosting two round trips from Johnson City, TN to Elizabethton, TN on the former ET&WNC Railroad. The following year, in June 1983, the Chapter joined with Norfolk Southern’s popular Steam Excursion Program and offered a weekend of excursions from Bristol, TN to Radford, VA. This set the tone for many yearly excursions to come, on different railroads, and utilizing many different diesels and steam locomotives. To this date the WVC has operated 68 successful railroad excursions in 28 years of existence.
The WVC soon decided to enter the car restoration and rental business with the lease of a sidetrack on Spring Street in Jonesborough, TN and the purchase of our first passenger coach, affectionately named the "Clinchfield", followed by the purchase of a diner, the "Moultrie", and the "Powhatan Arrow", a coach donated by the Norfolk Southern Railway. WVC boasts a talented and dedicated mechanical crew, who work tirelessly to restore vintage equipment. These three coaches have seen many miles of excursions and service to the Chapter. At the Spring Street Yard, dubbed the "Buzzards Roost" by past members, a fourth car awaiting restoration completion is the "Crescent Harbor". You can read more about the history and restoration of cars on this website.
When in October, 1994 Norfolk Southern announced an abrupt end to all steam excursions on their railroad, many chapters worried about their future, as the NS program was their only source of income. The WVC quickly showed the railfan community that this was not the end by upgrading the Chapter's three passenger cars to Amtrak requirements. This bold move paid off when Amtrak began allowing excursions using both Amtrak equipment and upgraded vintage equipment. This allowed the WVC an opportunity to continue operating excursions, receive revenue, and market their passenger cars across the entire United States.
On September 16, 2006 the Chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary with 80 members in attendance including 10 charter members still in active service.
Nestled in Northeast Tennessee, the WVC is as strong as ever and has many dedicated members from its home region, Southwest Virginia, and Northwest North Carolina. In addition to an active excursion program and vintage rail car rentals, the chapter holds monthly meetings, is active in several community events, and supports Operation Lifesaver. The Chapter publishes a monthly newsletter entitled the "Whistle Stop".
More information on activities and excursions sponsored by the WVC are available though links on this website. If you have an interest in any aspect of railroading, our organization is for you. The diversified membership comes from many backgrounds, occupations, and interests. Chapter membership will provide you with the opportunity to meet and share your interests of trains and railroading with others. Click here to learn how you can join us.
--- Written by Gary Price, Chapter Historian