The Tennessee Central Railroad began in 1892 to haul coal, iron, and lumber in Tennessee. The line ran from Harriman, TN west 163.5 miles to Nashville, then another 83.5 miles to Hopkinsville, KY, passing through Clarksville, TN. Along the line, there were several small branches. At Harriman, the TC connected with the Southern Railway.
In 1968, the TC was liquidated and parts of it were purchased by the IC, L&N, and Southern Railway. The Tennessee Central endured for over 80 years in the face of very tough odds, and played a considerable part in the economic development of its service region.

Tennessee Central Track Plan
Featured Tennessee Central Railway steam subjects this month include various locations in Tennessee:
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Tenn Central #607 – Location & Date Unknown (Credit: Bud Laws)
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Tenn Central #606 at Nashville TN – July 18, 1948 (Credit: Bud Laws)
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Tenn Central #551 at Nashville TN – May 9, 1940 (Credit: Bud Laws)
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Tenn Central #604 at Nashville TN – July 1940 (Credit: Bud Laws)
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Tenn Central #2064 at Nashville TN – July 1948 (Credit: Bud Laws)
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Tenn Central #554 at Emory Gap TN – September 1938 (Credit: Bud Laws)
All photos courtesy of Mr. Bud Laws / Ron Kohlin Collection.
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