At the turn of the century, the railroads had spread across the nation . . . The iron rails, which laid across the land, connected people separated by great distances and led the nation to a great prosperity.
As they moved both south and west, the railroads made their way into Kentucky and Tennessee and left behind their legacy. Both states have a dramatic rail history and rich heritage all their own. The landscape is dotted with remnants of a time past but not forgotten.
The Great Rail Trail
Experience the heritage, legend, and grandeur of the railroad. Enjoy historic depots housing museums and recalling yesteryear. Indulge in wonderful food and exquisite scenery aboard an elegant dinner train. Relive history with museums dedicated to the railroads and rounders. Journey aboard operating trains which take you back a century to a time when the rails ruled. Explore lovely authentic trains and cabooses on display. Visit historic sites and allow your imagination to transport you back through time as you see, hear, and feel the magic of the rails.
While exploring the historic and charming railroad sites through Kentucky and Tennessee, travel along the Casey Jones Railroad Trail. The trail covers the primary areas associated with the famous engineer who sacrificed his life to protect his passengers in a train wreck in 1900. In addition, join in the year-long 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Casey Jones Legend at the historic Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum in Jackson, Tennessee.