Built in 1881, the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad began operation with 32-mile narrow-gauge service from Johnson City, TN to the iron mines at Cranberry, NC. Hauling freight across the Appalachian region, the ET&WNC was successful and became a staple in the industry.
In 1917, Baldwin Locomotive Works out of Philadelphia built Engine No. 12, one of 13 narrow-gauge engines built for the RT&WNC. After running for 23 years, Engine No. 12 and the other trains came to a screeching halt as severe flooding in 1940 washed away large portions of the RT&WNC. Because of the highway development throughout the Appalachian region, the railroad decided not to rebuild the lost sections, and deserted the line.
As the narrow-gauge rail service became a part of the past, Engine No. 12 was purchased to become the Shenandoah Central Railroad tourist attraction in Harrisburg, VA. Not even a year later did Hurricane Hazel wipe away parts of the Shenandoah track (talk about some bad luck), so Engine No. 12 was back up for sale. Gene Autry, a singing cowboy in California, bought the rights to move the Tweetsie locomotives and made plans to use them in cinema. After realizing the engine would be too expensive to move, Autry accepted an offer from Grover C. Robbins, Jr. for the locomotive, and sold it down to Blowing Rock for only $1.
Finally back home in the High Country, Tweetsie railroad gave trips to passengers up and down the mountain, but then became a star in North Carolina's bit of Hollywood. The park opened up and started what is now the Tweetsie Railroad attraction we all know and love, bringing new things to do every year.
Even Tweetsie says, 'Don’t go thinking that the only thing to do ‘round here is the train ride. Stroll down the Western Main Street and visit the hoosegow (that’s a jail for you city-folk) where all the no-good varmints do hard time. Take a spin on the rides in the Country Fair and on Miner’s Mountain. Take aim at the Arcade and Shooting Gallery. When you get to Miner's Mountain, check out the friendly animals at the Deer Park, stretch your legs on the playground or get your face painted. But it’s not called Miner’s Mountain for nothing, you’ve got to try your hand at gem mining or panning for gold.'
So get yourself ready, Tweetsie's up and hauling out day adventures all summer, ones that are guaranteed worth your family's visit!
DO NOT USE HIGH COUNTRY CABIN RENTALS!!!! I stayed at one of their rentals called "The Dusty Boot" in NC & this is what happened! Where on the list do I start?? The dead rotten smell in the basement, the broken pool table, the fact that EVERYDAY we were disturbed by unannounced people working on the house. The fact that there was mouse poop EVERYWHERE!!! When we EXPECTED a refund we were told by the High Country Cabin Rentals they would fight for us, what they ended up doing was NOTHING for us AT ALL!!! It was the MOST unrelaxed vacation I EVER went on. No one wanted to help us, I'll be calling my lawyer & credit card company this week. TOTALLY not worth it! Go to another rental company & different house! This company only wants your money apparently they don't care about customer service...I have audio & video of everything & every conversation, get in touch, I'll be more then happy to tell you what a POS they are!!!! I'll be taking them to court so this doesnt happen to YOU!
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