Thomas E. Matson

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East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad - ET&WNC

Thomas E. Matson

Photo courtesy of the Cy Crumley Collection

Colonel Thomas E. Matson (1848–1921) was a pivotal 19th-century American engineer and civic leader whose technical mastery defined early Appalachian infrastructure. Originally from Philadelphia, Matson specialized in mountain railway construction, navigating some of the most rugged terrains in the Eastern United States.

Major Engineering Achievements

Matson is primarily celebrated for his leadership of two major rail projects that transformed the region: 

  • East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (ET&WNC) Railroad: Serving as Chief Engineer and Superintendent in the early 1880s, Matson designed the narrow-gauge route for the legendary ‘Tweetsie’ line. His most famous feat was engineering the passage through the Doe River Gorge, which required blasting ledges into solid rock and constructing multiple river crossings. His dedication was legendary; he famously used block and tackle systems to hoist mules up vertical cliffs to complete construction.
  • Charleston, Cincinnati & Chicago (CC&C) Railroad: In the late 1880s, Matson served as Chief Engineer for the “3 C’s”. He oversaw the construction of over 140 miles of track intended to connect South Carolina to Kentucky. Although the project faced financial collapse during the Panic of 1893, Matson’s work laid the groundwork for what eventually became the Clinchfield Railroad. 

Beyond rail, Matson’s technical legacy includes designing the landmark Elizabethton Covered Bridge in 1882.  

Thomas E. Matson - Johnson City TN - Photo courtesy of the Cy Crumley Collection

Industrial and Civic Leadership

Following his engineering career, Matson became a central figure in the growth of Johnson City, Tennessee.

  • Johnson City Foundry and Machine Works: Matson founded and served as the first president of this facility, which specialized in custom ironwork and the repair of ET&WNC locomotives. He personally imported machinery from Philadelphia to build a sprawling complex at a critical railroad junction.
  • Mayoral Service: Matson transitioned into politics, serving as the Mayor of Johnson City from 1892 to 1896. During his tenure, he guided the city through a period of intense industrialization and served as a charter member of the City Railway Company, which built a belt line around the town. 

More information will be added about the ET&WNC Railroad in the days ahead. Please let me know if you have any edits that should be made or any content you are willing to share by utilizing the comment form below. Would enjoy hearing from you if you have similar interests in the ET&WNC, the region, or model railroading.

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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Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org