Johnson City Tennessee

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. . Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts on Clinchfield.org. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

Johnson City Tennessee

Johnson City Tennessee owes its beginnings and its long term prosperity to railroads. Over various times in its history, railroads played a pivotal role in transforming the city from a small town to today’s largest city in the region.

Small Railroad Rest Stop – 1850s

First….it was a water tank and rest stop along the region’s first railroad, the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad (Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern).

Photo courtesy of the Cy Crumley Collection and Johnson’s Depot.

Johnson City Tennessee - Clinchfield Railroad - Cy Crumley Collection

Manufacturing Center and Railroad Boomtown – 1880s

Second….it was prime location for industry such as iron ore furnaces, lumber mills and lumber-related manufacturing which were tapping into the natural resources of the surrounding region. At one point it was said that Johnson City would become the next Birmingham, or the next Pittsburgh. A second railroad was created, with Johnson City as its headquarters, the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad.

Photos: Two of Johnson City’s early industries: The Cranberry Furnace and the Model Mill Company. Courtesy of the Cy Crumley Collection and Johnson’s Depot.

Johnson City Tennessee - Cranberry Furnace - Cy Crumley Collection
Johnson City Tennessee - Model Mill Company - Cy Crumley Collection

Regional Education and Medical Center – 1900s

Third…..With the building of the very successful Clinchfield Railroad through the city in the early 1900’s, Johnson City’s true destiny was just beginning. The Railroad’s founder, George L. Carter, donated land for a new state college, which eventually became East Tennessee State University and the James H. Quillen Medical School. About that same time a regional Veteran’s Hospital, Mountain Home, was built and opened. These two institutions were the beginning of what would become Johnson City’s hallmark and legacy as a regional education and medical center.

More Information on Johnson City

Click here for more information on Johnson City’s History.

Johnson City Stats

  • Coordinates: 36°20′N 82°22′W
  • Elevation: 1,634 feet above sea level
  • Originally known as: Johnson’s Depot
  • Founded: 1869
  • Population: 71,046 (2020)
  • County: Washington

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

Contact Us at Clinchfield.org

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Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org