Tweetsie Railroad

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ET&WNC’s Legacy Continues at Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Tweetsie Railroad was the state’s first theme park, opening in 1957 and providing families with a Wild West adventure centered around a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive. The park’s centerpiece is Engine No. 12, a former locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which had ceased narrow-gauge operations in 1950.

Between 1950 and 1957: From Virginia to Hollywood and back


After the ET&WNC ceased narrow-gauge operations in 1950, Engine No. 12 was saved from the scrapyard and sold to railroad enthusiasts who intended to run it as part of a tourist line. In 1953, the engine was moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and briefly operated as the Shenandoah Central Railroad. Its stay there was cut short, however, when Hurricane Hazel struck in 1954 and washed out the train tracks. The engine was then sold to movie cowboy Gene Autry, who planned to transport it to California for use in films. The high cost of shipping the locomotive led Autry to reconsider, and he sold the purchase rights to Blowing Rock native Grover C. Robbins Jr.. In 1956, Robbins brought the engine, known as “Tweetsie” for its whistle, back to North Carolina. It was refurbished in Hickory before being moved up the mountain to its final home in Blowing Rock in 1957.

Photo: Engine 12 in 1957. Archives of Appalachia, Delbert W. Loudermilk Collection

From humble beginnings to a Wild West theme park (1957–1960s)


On July 4, 1957, Tweetsie Railroad officially opened with a single depot and a one-mile excursion ride aboard Engine No. 12. The following year, the track was expanded into a three-mile loop around the mountain, and a Western-themed town was built. The park’s signature Wild West element was introduced with a train robbery show and a cowboy-and-Indian performance. In 1960, to support the growing park, Tweetsie acquired a second locomotive, the No. 190 “Yukon Queen,” from Alaska. Around the same time, Fred Kirby, a well-known local TV personality, began his nearly 30-year tenure as Tweetsie’s Marshal. By 1961, a chairlift was installed, leading to “Miner’s Mountain,” an area featuring additional rides, shows, and a deer park zoo. The Robbins family’s success with Tweetsie also led them to open Rebel Railroad, which would later become Dollywood.

Photo: Tweetsie crossing trestle in 1957. Archives of Appalachia, Delbert W. Loudermilk Collection

Expansion and maintenance (1970s–1990s)

Throughout the 1970s, Tweetsie continued to expand its offerings, creating new sections like the “Country Fair” for amusement rides. During this period, the park also established its own steam locomotive repair shop, a significant move that allowed it to perform maintenance on its own engines and attract work from other parks across the country. The 1980s saw both engines restored to their original appearance. In the 1990s, the park celebrated significant milestones, including Engine No. 12’s 75th anniversary in 1992 and the park’s 40th anniversary in 1997, which featured special double-header train runs.

Modernization and tradition (2000s–Present)

As the 21st century began, Tweetsie Railroad continued to operate, maintaining the art of narrow-gauge steam operation for new generations. Events like the annual Ghost Train during the Halloween season and Tweetsie Christmas have become popular fixtures on the park’s calendar, drawing visitors for decades. In recent years, the park has balanced its traditional, nostalgic appeal with modern updates. The park introduced a new 360-degree spinning pendulum ride called “The Bullwhip” in 2024, replacing its “Round Up” ride. That same year, Tweetsie implemented a chaperone policy for guests aged 15 and under to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all visitors. With Engine No. 12 now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tweetsie Railroad remains an iconic piece of Americana. The park’s owners and staff are committed to preserving the historic charm and train heritage while continuously evolving to offer unforgettable adventures for families.

1957 Photographs of Tweetsie Railroad

Photo: Early pictures of new Tweetsie Railroad in 1957. Archives of Appalachia, Delbert W. Loudermilk Collection

ET&WNC Sources & Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the ET&WNC Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Appalachian-Railroads.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

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