Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum

10/16/2026

Copies of Photos that appeared in the Hardwood Record magazine on August 10, 1905, of the Little River Lumber Company Plant in Townsend, Tennessee. A part of the article read, "It is not necessary to describe in detail the unequalled richness of the splendid forests of the Little River Lumber Company nor is it essential to enumerate specifically the features of its railroads, sawmills and planing equipment, as these pictures tell the story better than can any text. Taken altogether, it is perhaps without a peer in the United States as an operating hardwood lumber proposition."

10/11/2026

Sunday Spotlight on Ashton Stone

We’re proud to share the excellent work of member Ashton Stone, whose curiosity and dedication continue to deepen our understanding of Smoky Mountain history.

In his free time, Ashton has been researching the Southern Railway, gathering extensive information and preparing detailed maps for display at events. He’s also located operational details in History of Lumbering and Woodworking in the United States and provided copies for our museum files.

Several pieces of the material he uncovered are new to us and add valuable context to our railroad and logging story.

Thank you, Ashton, for your hard work and passion for preserving history. Your efforts help keep the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company legacy alive for future generations

10/11/2026

October Is Family History Month

At the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, every story begins with family the folks who worked these mountains, rode these rails, logged these hollers, and built the community we still call home.

Family History Month is observed every October across the United States as a time to explore, preserve, and celebrate the roots that shaped us. Here in Townsend, those roots run deep.

If your family:
• Worked for the Little River Railroad or Lumber Company
• Logged in the Smokies
• Helped build early Townsend
• Or simply lived, loved, and made a life in this valley

We’d love to hear your story. Message us or arrange to come by and bring a photo, a name, a memory even a small detail helps keep the history alive for future generations.

Friday, October 30, 2026, some of our historians, Ashton Stone and Dana Lund, will be on site and would love to help record your story. Stop in and share your family’s connection. Every story adds another piece to the legacy of the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company.

Send a message to learn more

10/09/2026

Our neighbors Cades Cove Golf have went all out to spook the greens! Come by and check them out! Also plan to come to the Halloween Show here at the museum on Friday October 30th and Saturday October 31st, 2026 hosted by the Heritage Tractor & Engine Club. Friday 30th evening trick or treating at the museum! Thanks to LeaAnn Adams Lewelling and family for going by and sharing how fun the golf course was and sharing these photos. Everyone check them out!

10/02/2026

You never know the blessings waiting just around the corner. During a set at the Railroad & Heritage Festival Fall 2026 , a sweet little boy walked up with his little blue guitar. When J. Earl Baldwin invited him up to play, we had no idea what a treat we were in for! This talented young man completely stole the crowd's heart, leading us all in song and praise. We had straight-up church right there on that porch! Watching him sing about loving his momma and sharing the love of Jesus was pure joy. Truly a priceless moment we’ll never forget. Thank you Christipher!

09/29/2026

Newspaper coverage of Railroad & Heritage Festival Fall 2026 what a great weekend we had thanks to all who came out to share in Heritage https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PpzdceKAR/

The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum hosted its Fall Railroad & Heritage Festival event on Saturday offering visitors a chance to explore the region’s railroad and logging history

09/29/2026

At last weeks Railroad & Heritage Festival Fall 2026 several had asked where the "potholder girl" Emily Polk was. We missed this young crafter as she was at a band event .We at Little River send Congratulations to her and friends bringing home trophies!. Good job Mountaineers! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Z63ZzBBb/

Great day to be a Mountaineer!
🏆 1st place guard
2nd place Band
2nd place Percussion

09/28/2026

One of the museum's most loved parts is our model railroad. Visitors love it , and we’re grateful for the club members who help set up, demonstrate, and maintain the track. Volunteers do plenty of chores, sure, but we also get to play with trains, and some days members can even bring their own engines to run on the layout.

If you love model trains and would like to be part of this group, we’d be glad to have you. Membership applications are available in the gift shop or online, and dues are only $21.47 a year (in honor of Engine #2147).

And if model trains aren’t really your thing, don’t worry we have several member groups to choose from:;

Folks who enjoy digging into local history

Hikers who like finding old track spots and relics

A brand-new craft circle

Plus plenty of members who just enjoy being part of the museum community

Come join us and be part of a group that keeps Townsend’s story rolling forward. museum's most loved parts

09/28/2026

We’re here to keep the story of the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company alive the people who worked these mountains, the engines that ran the hollers, and the community that grew up around them. Our mission is to save the history, share it with folks who stop in, and make sure the grit, skill, and heart of Townsend’s past aren’t forgotten.

One of our favorite parts of the Railroad & Heritage Festival is when folks walk in with old photos, clippings, and family stories from around the region. Every year, new pieces of the past find their way back home.

This little clip is from a visit this past weekend with Jerry Hodge, who brought photos and information passed down through his family. Thank you, Mr. Hodge, for sharing your family's story with us.

Moments like his visit remind us how much history still lives in family albums and handed‑down memories. If you have a story to share, we’d be honored to hear it. These stories built this area, and they deserve to be remembered. The history shouldn’t be forgotten.

09/27/2026

A beautiful morning here at Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum vendors and volunteers gearing up for a fun day at Railroad & Heritage Festival Fall 2026 come join us September 27, 2026