Tennessean on the Southern Railway

Home » Passenger Trains of the Southern Railway » Tennessean on the Southern Railway

Southern Railway Tennessean

The Tennessean was a jointly-operated passenger train that ran between Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee, from 1941 to 1968. It was a collaborative effort between the Southern Railway and the Norfolk and Western Railway, with the Southern handling the Washington to Lynchburg segment, and the Norfolk and Western running the train from Lynchburg to Bristol, Tennessee. From Bristol, it returned to Southern tracks for the journey to Memphis.

The Tennessean and The Southerner were the first two Southern Railway trains with streamlined passenger cars. The train, which was equipped with Pullman-built stainless steel coaches, diners, and observation cars, provided modern, high-quality service. Unlike the all-streamlined Southerner, the Tennessean initially used heavyweight Pullman sleepers, which were painted silver to match the train’s aesthetic.

Tennessean - Southern Railway

During the post-war era, the train’s amenities were gradually reduced as passenger demand declined. Sleeper service was eventually cut, and by the 1960s, the train primarily consisted of coaches, mail, and express cars. The Tennessean made its final run on March 30, 1968, marking the end of all Southern Railway passenger service to Memphis and the closure of the historic Memphis Union Station.

Tennessean Stats

  • Route: Washington to Memphis
  • Cities: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Bristol, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville, and Memphis
  • Numbers: 45 southbound & 46 northbound
  • Years in Service: 1941 to 1968
  • Partner Railroads: Pennsylvania (NYC to DC), N&W (Lynchburg to Bristol)
  • Streamlined: 1941
  • Dieselized: 1941
  • Distance: 929 miles
  • Scheduled Time: 24 hours 40 minutes (1952)
  • Average Speed: 38 MPH (1952)
  • Equipment: Coach, Sleeper, Diner, Tavern/Lounge in variation throughout its history. In 1952 the Tennessean consist included – Diner: DC to Knoxville. Tavern/Lounge: DC to Memphis. Reaturant/Lounge: Chattanooga to Memphis. Sleepers: 2 NYC to Memphis, 1 DC to Memphis, 1 Bristol to Nashville, 1 Knoxville to Memphis, 1 Chattanooga to Memphis.

Tennessean Timetable 1952

More Southern Railway information will be added to this page and others in the days ahead. Please let me know if you have any edits that should be made or any content you are willing to share by utilizing the comment form below. Would enjoy hearing from you if you have similar interests in the railroads, the region, or model railroading.

Southern-Railroads.org Sources and Resources

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

Contact Us

Would enjoy hearing from you if you have questions, suggestions, edits, or content that you are willing to share. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have similar interests in the Southern or Model Railroads.

Go back

Your message has been sent

3Cs Websites

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