Museum
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The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum and town of Jonesborough, TN have partnered
to preserve the historic Chuckey, TN train depot. The town recently purchased the building and has moved it to Jonesborough,
where plans are to restore its exterior and use the interior as a museum.
Built by SOUTHERN RAILWAY in 1906, the depot until recently was privately-owned. However, it was situated on land owned by SOUTHERN successor NORFOLK SOUTHERN, which had notified the building’s owners of its plans to demolish the historic structure. Although no longer in use, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1979 for its historic architectural significance, adding to the importance of saving it from demolition. Plans call for use of the building as a railroad museum, which fits nicely into town development strategy as Jonesborough recognizes its railroad legacy. Although the railroad is still prominent in Jonesborough, the town’s depot was razed in the 1970s. Partnering in this effort offers the town an opportunity to recognize and honor the role railroading played its history. |
As of this posting (late Winter, 2012), the Chuckey Depot has been dismantled, moved to a secure location, and a site for the museum has been selected (see below). A date to begin reconstruction has not been determined at this time.
