For over 60 years, a mighty Nashville legend has been still.
Her venue wasn’t down at the honky tonks of South Broadway or on stage at the Ryman, but on the Nashvillle, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway. No. 576’s song has been quiet since its final curtain call in 1953 – but this is one performance that deserves an encore.
The railroad industry has changed mightily in the century since it helped shape Nashville into the metropolis it is today, but one thing remains the same: the allure of the steam locomotive. In the era since they disappeared from mainline railroads everywhere, a few have been remade into spectacular, operating tourist attractions. The potential for this same success is in the 576.
In 2016, the Nashville Steam Preservation Society announced its plan to relocate, restore and operate No. 576 within the Middle Tennessee region. With a lease agreement in place from the city, an operating partner in the Nashville & Eastern Railroad, assistance from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum and the help of dozens of experienced railroad professionals and volunteers, Nashville Steam’s goal is to raise $2.5 million dollars to create a fantastic new tourist attraction for the region.
When restored, no. 576 will become a moving, visceral link to the history of Nashville; educating, engaging and creating incredible experiences for citizens and tourists alike. Even as a static display, the 576 welcomed over 500 people to Centennial Park at Nashville Steam’s first open house. Imagine what she could do with a boiler full of steam, 100 miles of railroad and hundreds of thousands visiting Nashville each year to ride behind “The Stripe.”
For more on this special effort, visit nashvillesteam.org and become a donor or sponsor today.
