Our Mission
The mission of the George L. Carter NRHS is to preserve and promote the legacy of local railroads that helped shape our past, focusing on preserving railroad history and honoring those who contributed to that legacy.
Who We Are
The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is an all volunteer organization affiliated with the Johnson City Railroad Experience
We hold monthly meetings at the Johnson City Railroad Experience as part of the George L. Carter NRHS, where we have a variety of programs and plan for our regional Spring and Fall rail fanning excursions, along with trips in between.
The Chapter is dedicated to preserving railroad history by collecting oral histories of local Southern Appalachian railroads, including the Clinchfield, Southern, and the ET&WNC 'Tweetsie'.
Visitors are always welcome to attend our meetings and participate in our activities.
As part of our commitment to preserving railroad history, the Chapter provides personnel support by supplying docents to assist in staffing the Johnson City Railroad Experience during normal operating hours and for special events hosted by the facility.
Many of our members actively participate in local activities within the surrounding communities as representatives of not only the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, but also the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders.
Officers of the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society
George L. Carter
Railroad Magnate, Industrialist, Visionary, Philanthropist, and ETSU Benefactor
George L. Carter provided the vision, drive, and perseverance that led to the development and success of the Clinchfield Railroad. As a key figure in preserving railroad history, Carter made a tremendous impact on the prosperity and growth of the East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region. Few individuals in the past century have done more to establish the Mountain Empire Region as a thriving center of commerce with an excellent quality of life.
At the time of his death in 1936, the final success and financial growth of his investments and business ventures were not fully recognized, including the significant economic growth of the region.
Carter's leadership and entrepreneurial drive resulted in numerous successful ventures, including:
- The Clinchfield Railroad, which became one of the most well-designed and profitable railroads in America, a cornerstone of railroad history.
- The hundreds of thousands of acres of coal fields he developed and owned, which provided energy and heat for millions for decades.
- His initial railroad development efforts that led to the creation of the Eastman Chemical Company and the largest ammunition plant in America.
- As the primary benefactor of a new institution of higher education, East Tennessee State University is now excelling in academics and enrollment, and even includes a Medical School after 100 years.
Initially focused on coal, George L. Carter's vision has allowed Johnson City to evolve into a regional hub for higher education and health care. His biography and legacy continue to grow, flourish, and be written.
As a testament to the success and iconic legacy of the Clinchfield Railroad, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum and the Johnson City Railroad Experience were established and now thrive in Johnson City, honoring his contributions to preserving railroad history.
Information in this article is sourced from the clinchfield.org website.
Upcoming Excursions
Celebrate Mom on the Mother's Day Express May 9, 2026
Come celebrate Mom with us. We will leave Johnson City on private motor coaches as we travel to Knoxville, TN where we will board the Three Rivers Rambler. We will then travel through the scenic heart of Knoxville, see the University of Tennessee, downtown, and historical sites on our way to the "Three Rivers Trestle" where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River.
We will celebrate mom with lunch aboard the Star of Knoxville, which is one of four authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the United States. We will enjoy a delicious meal while cruising the Tennessee River, past iconic downtown landmarks while you spend that special time with mom and enjoy some true southern hospitality.
***As of now, motive power is undetermined. We may have a steam engine or a diesel. Motive power can be replaced for any reason and at any time.
*****TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE SOON*****
2026 Big Train Show
