Locomotive No. 12 is more than just an engine. It is the only surviving steam locomotive from the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC).
The ET&WNC, one of many narrow-gauge railways that once connected to the standard-gauge system, began operating in the 1870s, hauling iron ore and lumber from the Blue Ridge Mountains to connect with the standard-gauge lines in Johnson City, Tennessee. By 1882, rail service had extended to the iron mines in Cranberry, North Carolina, and in 1919, the railroad finally reached Boone, North Carolina, bringing freight, passengers, and mail to a once-isolated town.
For many years, the ET&WNC, or "Tweetsie" as it became known to the mountain people, made a daily run across mountains, through tunnels, and along narrow passes, pulling cars of ore, lumber, and people through an otherwise inaccessible region.
The Railroad That Refused to Quit
Through the Great Depression, the ET&WNC remained a lifeline for mountain communities. Locals jokingly said the name stood for "Eat Taters & Wear No Clothes" or, more accurately, "Every Time & With No Complaint."
But despite its resilience, changing times worked against the ET&WNC. A devastating flood washed out sections of the track, and with the rise of better roads and automobiles, the need for rail service declined. By 1940, the ET&WNC made its last run to Boone. Over time, its thirteen narrow-gauge steam locomotives were all scrapped, except for one.
The Last of the Tweetsie Locomotives
After 1950, Locomotive No. 12 was the only surviving engine to carry the name "Tweetsie."
It changed hands several times, eventually landing in the possession of Hollywood cowboy legend Gene Autry, who planned to use it in Western films. Instead of sending it to a movie set, Autry sold the locomotive to Grover Robbins of Blowing Rock with the understanding that it would be restored and preserved as a historic attraction.
Grover, along with his brothers Spencer and Harry Robbins, saw an opportunity—not just to save a locomotive, but to bring a living piece of history back to life.
The Birth of Tweetsie Railroad
The Robbins brothers restored No. 12 and secured land between Boone and Blowing Rock for a scenic railway. On July 4, 1957, Tweetsie Railroad officially opened, offering visitors a one-mile train ride through the mountains.
But this was no ordinary scenic railroad. Over the years, Tweetsie Railroad expanded to a three-mile loop, introduced cowboy shootouts and train robberies, and became one of America’s first Wild West theme parks.
Now, instead of hauling iron ore, lumber, and mail, No. 12 carries families, children, and train lovers on a one-of-a-kind adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tweetsie Railroad: Where History Comes to Life
Today, Tweetsie Railroad remains one of the only places in the country where visitors can ride an authentic narrow-gauge steam locomotive. Guests board No. 12 for a scenic train ride full of action and excitement, where outlaws attempt daring robberies and cowboys rush in to save the day.
While the ET&WNC is long gone, its legacy lives on at Tweetsie Railroad. Thanks to Spencer, Grover, and Harry Robbins, the name "Tweetsie" is now known far beyond the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Locomotive No. 12 is still steaming strong, bringing joy to new generations of visitors, just as it did when it first pulled into Boone over 100 years ago.
All aboard for history and adventure at Tweetsie Railroad!