Elkhorn City Railroad Museum
The Elkhorn City Railroad Museum is a railroad museum located in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. The museum was established in 1990 and is dedicated to educating the public on the history of railroads in Kentucky's Eastern Mountain Coal Fields region.[1]
 Elkhorn City Railroad Museum | |
  Location within Kentucky  Elkhorn City Railroad Museum (the United States) | |
| Established | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 Pine Street, Elkhorn City, Kentucky 41522 |
| Coordinates | 37.304996°N 82.341548°W |
| Type | Railroad |
| Founder | Edward "Chick" Spradlin |
| Director | Wendall Ward |
| Owner | Elkhorn City Heritage Council |
| Nearest parking | On site (no charge) |
| Website | elkhorncityrrm.tripod.com |
History
The museum was founded by Edward "Chick" Spradlin; a retired railroad employee. Most of Spradlin's 40-year career was spent in Elkhorn City railyard which was the northern terminus of the Clinchfield Railroad before it closed in 1981. Wanting to preserve the history of the railroad in the area he a few other former railroad employees started collecting artifacts and opened the museum in 1990 in a former Coal company office[2] that was donated to the museum.[1]
In 1999 Chick died and management of the museum was transferred to the Elkhorn City Heritage Council.[3] An organization created to preserve the history of the Elkhorn City area.[4] The museum is still staffed by volunteers; most of whom are former railroad employees.[5]
Exhibits
More than 1,000 pieces of railroad memorabilia are on display, including two cabooses, velocipedes, motor cars, antique uniforms and equipment.[6] Also on display are exhibits detailing the completion of the Clinchfield Railroad which was considered an engineering marvel at the time.[5] All items and exhibits have been donated to the museum. Most of which were abandoned by the railroad when it closed and salvaged by members of the community.[2] During the winter months when the museum is closed some displays are moved to the library and occasionally to area schools.[5]
The museum is also a stop on CSX's annual Santa train. A Christmas-themed train that distributes toys, food, and clothing in the Appalachian region every November.[7]
References
- Prats, J. J. (October 20, 2015). "Elkhorn City's Railroads". www.hmdb.org. Powell, OH: Historical Marker Database. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
- Wallace, Morris; Owens, Roy (April 11, 2015). "Interview with Morris Wallace, Roy Owens, April 11, 2015". Elkhorn City River Oral History Project (Audio). Interviewed by Love, Brichelle; Mullins, Samantha. Elkhorn City, KY: University of Kentucky. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
- "A Brief History of Elkhorn City Railroad Museum". elkhorncityrrm.tripod.com. Elkhorn City, KY: Elkhorn City Railroad Museum. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
- "About the ECAHC". www.elkhorncity.org. Elkhorn City, KY: Elkhorn City. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
- Hairston, Gail (August 9, 2016). "UK students create Elkhorn City Railroad Museum's mobile exhibition for schools, tourists". www.kyforward.com. Lexington, KY: KyForward. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
- "Area Attractions". sekchamber.com. Pikeville, KY: Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. 2012. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
This is a guaranteed good time with colorful stories and lots of memorabilia including: two cabooses, velocipedes, motor cars, antique uniforms and equipment. More than 1,000 pieces of railroad memorabilia are on display.
- Sneider, Julie (November 2017). "Railroads' holiday trains deliver gifts, food and joy". www.progressiverailroading.com. Progressive Railroading. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
