The History Of Our Train
A heritage railroad, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has a significant history dating back to the early 1900s.
The Foundation Of Blue Ridge
Railroads played a vital role in the development of this area between the 1800s and the early 1900s. They determined the routes of local roads, saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to the growth of small towns as resort communities, and made it possible to log the last remaining virgin timber in the area.
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The Beginning of the Tracks
The original tracks starting in Marietta, Georgia reached Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas in 1886. The line running east towards Copperhill, Tennessee originally made a very sharp horseshoe-shaped curve dubbed “the hook” via the Hiawassee Loop. The curve was so sharp that crews claimed that if the conductor’s cigar went out in the caboose, he could wait until the train got to the “hook” then easily lean out and get a light from the engineer.
