Elkhorn City Railroad Museum, Railway museum in Elkhorn City, Kentucky.
The Elkhorn City Railroad Museum occupies a former coal company office building and displays a collection of railroad artifacts and equipment. The exhibits include cabooses, hand-powered railcars, motor cars, vintage uniforms, and other items connected to the region's railroad history.
The museum was established in 1990 when Edward Spradlin, a retired railroad worker with four decades of experience, donated his collection of railroad artifacts to the community. His initiative transformed the vacant coal company office building into a repository for the region's railroad heritage.
The museum documents how railways shaped the region's economy and daily life through exhibits focused on coal mining and timber industries. Visitors can see the impact railroads had on the communities and work culture of Eastern Kentucky.
The facility is staffed by former railroad employees who can share insights about the exhibits and the region's railroad history. Some displays rotate to local libraries and schools during winter months, so checking ahead is worthwhile if visiting in the colder season.
The museum holds a preserved seat from the private railcar of President James Garfield, an unexpected connection to national history housed in this small-town collection. Each year the CSX holiday train stops here to distribute gifts and aid to residents, blending the museum's historical mission with community service.
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