Chuckey Depot Museum to Dedicate Historic Santa Train Signage to Commemorate Landmark Rail Event

Photo bycourtesy of Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. - The Chuckey Depot Museum and the Watauga Valley Railroad Museum will celebrate a significant piece of regional history with the dedication of signage commemorating the legendary 50th anniversary of the Clinchfield Santa Train. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Chuckey Depot Museum, 110 2nd St., Jonesborough.

This dedication marks a major milestone in the history of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia's railroading legacy. The signage, recently donated by the David DeVault family and the East Tennessee National Railway Historical Society, honors one of the most revered rail events in the area: the 50th running of the Santa Train in 1992. The train, pulled by the Union Pacific Challenger 3985 locomotive, is remembered as one of the largest rail fan gatherings in the region.

The Santa Train, which will mark its 82nd year in 2024, has been a holiday tradition since 1943. It distributes toys and supplies to communities along its 110-mile route through Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The 50th-anniversary run in 1992 drew thousands of spectators as the historic Challenger steamed through Clinchfield country, rekindling memories of the region's rich railroading past.

Guest speakers at the event will include several key figures in the 50th-anniversary celebration: Clinchfield Railroad historian Ron Flannery, engineer Charlie Morris, trainmaster Scott Jessee, and Don Royston, who portrayed Santa Claus during the commemorative run. These speakers will share their experiences and stories from this iconic event, giving attendees a unique glimpse into the planning and execution of one of modern history's most significant rail events.

After the dedication ceremony, attendees are invited to tour the Historic Clinchfield Railroad's President's Car, which will be open to the public for free. The President's Car, a symbol of the railroad's storied past, offers a rare opportunity to step inside a piece of living history.

The Santa Train tradition began on a cold November morning in 1943 when a group of Kingsport businessmen organized the first run with the support of the Kingsport Merchants Bureau (the predecessor to the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce). Joe Higgins, one of only four men to ever don the Santa suit for the event, led the inaugural trip, distributing candy to children along a 94-mile route through coal country.

Over the years, the Santa Train has become more than just a local tradition; it has gained international recognition. In 1982, a feature by Charles Kuralt on CBS’s "On the Road" segment and a front-page article in the New York Times brought widespread attention to the event, leading to an influx of donations and support. Today, the train's mission continues, with more than 15 tons of toys and supplies distributed annually, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas reaches even the most remote communities in Appalachia.

The event is free and open to the public, making it ideal for rail enthusiasts and local history buffs to celebrate the legacy of the Clinchfield Railroad and the Santa Train.

For more information on the dedication event and the history of the Santa Train, visit the Chuckey Depot Museum’s website or contact the museum directly.