Chuckey Depot Museum At Jonesborough

The mission of the Chuckey Depot Museum focuses on telling the story of the Chuckey community’s depot and the rich railroad heritage of the region. Themed exhibits, which are changed twice a year, often feature local railroads like the Southern, Clinchfield and East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Exhibits may also educate visitors about the history of railroading, showcasing artifacts from all over the country.

Originally built by Southern Railway in 1906, the Depot found itself sitting on the railroad’s right of way in Chuckey and was threatened with demolition. Due to railroad policy, the building could not stay in its original location. The depot was privately owned by the Babb family who requested to relocate the building to Jonesborough, and Jonesborough was eager to have the structure.  Jonesborough discussed the possibility of creating a railroad museum because of the Town being instrumental in bringing the railroad into East Tennessee.  The Chuckey Depot created a perfect venue for such a museum

The job of moving the Depot from Chuckey to Jonesborough was a meticulous task undertaken by the Town of Jonesborough and the Heritage Alliance of Northeast TN and Southwest VA, beginning in August 2011.  The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society also partnered in the project, providing the restoration of a red caboose that sits adjacent to the Depot in addition to exhibit artifacts, photos and volunteer hosting. The Chuckey Depot officially opened in October of 2017.