Our Mission
The mission of the George L. Carter of the National Railway Historical Society 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.
The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is an all volunteer organization affiliated with the Johnson City Railroad Experience and the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders.
The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society(NRHS) runs various activities during the year. The two most important and popular of these are the excursions we run in the Spring and the Fall, that are open to the general public.
For the Spring excursion, we travel to Knoxville where we board the Three Rivers Rambler and travel through the scenic heart of Knoxville. We pass the University of Tennessee and downtown on our way towards the "Three Rivers Trestle," where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River. Our train then returns to the boat landing where we board the Star of Knoxville which is one of four authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the United States. Once we begin our journey down river, we will enjoy a delicious meal while cruising the Tennessee River past iconic downtown landmarks.
The Fall excursion usually takes place in late September to mid-October. For this trip, we travel to Bryson City to take in the fall colors and enjoy a train ride upon The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
Besides our public excursions, we have members only excursions and events that take place throughout the year.
To help us preserve the legacy that is here in the Johnson City area, become a member of the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society by visiting the Join our Chapter tab.
The George L. Carter Chapter of the NRHS meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Johnson City Railroad Experience. Visitors are always welcomed to join us and learn what we are doing.
