Tall Tales from the Tracks: Celebrating Railroad Legends on April Fools’ Day
By Jamie Johnson, Executive Director
April 1st has long been a day for jokes, pranks, and tall tales—and if there’s one industry that knows how to tell a story, it’s the railroad.
From the earliest days of American railroading, conductors, engineers, and passengers alike have spun stories that were sometimes hilarious, sometimes haunting, and occasionally even true. Today, in the spirit of April Fools’ Day, we’re taking a ride down the track of railroading’s most memorable myths and legends.
The Tale of the Phantom Train
Many towns—including a few in Kentucky—have long claimed to hear the ghostly whistle of trains that no longer run. One local story tells of a headless brakeman who still walks the tracks with a lantern, searching for his lost crew. Is it true? Who’s to say—but it’s one more reason never to ignore the sound of a distant whistle on a quiet night.
John Henry vs. the Machine
Every rail fan knows the legendary story of John Henry, the steel-driving man who raced a steam drill and won—only to collapse from exhaustion. While John Henry’s story has roots in truth, it’s been told and retold so many times that it now stands tall as American folklore. His tale reminds us of the human grit that built our nation’s railways.
The Dining Car that Served… Possum?
It’s said that in the early days of Pullman dining service, a clever chef once served a wealthy passenger a beautifully plated “Kentucky delicacy” that turned out to be roast possum. While this likely falls into the category of railroad humor, it’s not too far off from some of the creative dishes served on Southern rail lines.
At the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, we love honoring the real stories of rail history—but we also know there’s value in the legends. These stories, whether fact or fiction, remind us of how deeply railroads are woven into the cultural imagination of America.
So today, take a moment to share your favorite train tale—true or not. Because in railroading, the line between myth and memory is often just a track apart.
