Return of Steam Engine 4501 In New Colors & May Market In Summerville

Summerville is home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States, and is truly a step back in time for train and history buffs alike. The City of Summerville is proud to announce the return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engines to the Historic Summerville Depot on Saturday, May 23. The Summerville Turntable will work again, turning the iconic 4501 steam enginefor the first time in 2026. A May Market & Melodies event, celebrating with live music and vendors, will be a highlight for the welcome back return of the steam engine with passengers.

Train enthusiasts will especially enjoy the arrival the theTennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Steam Engine 4501. As they celebrate 65 years since incorporation, the TVRM is honoring its roots by returning this iconic locomotive to a classic look of green and gold. This grand lady of steam will lead the way to Summerville wearing the classic Southern Railway passenger livery she entered into excursion service within 1966—exactly 60 years ago.

“In a year when we’re celebrating our 65th anniversary and the locomotive’s 115th birthday, it feels only right for her to come back in Southern Railway passenger livery for a limited celebratory season,” said TVRM spokesperson Penelope Soule Gault.

She’ll proudly wear this passenger scheme throughout the year as she steams her way to Summerville, Georgia on the Summerville Steam Special.

The May Market & Melodies event will be held at The Summerville Depot during the hours of 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. It will feature a variety of food and craft vendors inside and outside of the depot. A few delights to temp your taste buds include fresh jams and jellies, fried pies, deep fried corndogs, pizza, fresh baked specialty breads, bar-b-que, homemade lemonade and more. Retail and hand-crafted items will also be highlighted within the market. Live bluegrass, country and gospel music will be performed inside the depot freight room throughout the day. Admission is free and suggested parking is in Downtown Summerville.

The City of Summerville and Summerville Main Street is also gearing up for more May and June events, which include a May 30 Community Connect Day and train arrival. The annual Cowboy Western Heritage Festival combined with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger is scheduled for June 6, followed by a June 19 Summerville Natural Gas Friday Night Concert featuring Strictly Skynyrd, on the East Washington Streetscape Entertainment District. The popular Dairy Day At The Depot/Homemade Ice Cream Contest is scheduled for June 20, with a steam engine arrival.  Each weekend in June there is something to do in downtown Summerville.

Booking Train Excursions

Tickets for train excursions are purchased through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com . These vintage train rides follow a historic route from Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga to the Historic Summerville Depot. Summerville welcomes the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and its passengers by opening the historic depot to the public and with activities, entertainment, and events planned for each train arrival. Each event hosted is unique to itself.

Santa train tickets available now: What? Christmas??? Yes!! We are proud to announce that Summerville Santa Special Tickets are now available for purchase for the 2026 Holiday Season. Visit tvrail.com to secure your seats now, before they sell out!