Plans Revealed for New Train Museum Complex in Watertown, TN

The recently established 501(c)3 nonprofit Watertown Railroad Museum is set to announce plans and renderings for a new Museum Complex. The proposed 14,000 square-foot facility will house a museum, train hosting facilities, an event center, an observation deck, restaurant space and an outdoor park area becoming the anchor of WRM goals.

The facility is set to be developed around the former Railway Express Agency building constructed in 1900. The historic brick portion will house the new, immersive museum showcasing the importance of railroading in Watertown. While Tennessee Central Railway Museum has been running its excursion trains to town for 30 years, the anticipated addition of Nashville Steam Preservation Society’s restored steam engine 576 adds an exciting new twist to the train experience. The museum will enhance the ability to attract visitors to town even on days when excursions are not operating.

This building projects the WRM mission: “To bring tourism to Watertown, TN, using education of railroad history by creating museum exhibits, events and excursion train hosting.” A museum to showcase Watertown’s railroad story, a destination complex to experience history while creating memories, and a tourist attraction to make an economic impact—all of this opens the town’s future to more benefits for local businesses and the city infrastructure while working to maintain the small-town charm of Watertown.

“We are very excited for the development of the Watertown Railroad Museum,” said Joey Bryan, Vice President of the Nashville Steam Preservation Society, “as we plan to recreate a 1940s rail journey from the hustle and bustle of the city out to the country using steam locomotive No. 576, this facility will give future riders a chance to explore the history of the area during the layover in Watertown. The museum paired with the future turntable and railyard will give people a full circle experience.”

An invite-only kickoff event will take place on Saturday September 20th, 2025, in Watertown, TN, at the future complex site. It will be an exciting day in Watertown as the TCRM will arrive with their “Train Robbery” excursion hosted by the reenactment group, Dead Tree Desperados. This will be the 25th anniversary for the Desperados.

Media is invited to attend the kickoff event from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the future museum building at 129 Depot St., Watertown, TN 37184. A video presentation will take place at 6:00 pm. A video rendering of the future building is available upon request.

For additional information contact: Chris Ferrari at 615-218-6249 or email: cferrari@watertownrailroadmuseum.org

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