03/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/20/2026 17:16
Union Pacific Railroad, founded by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, unveiled its plans today to celebrate the United States, its amazing history and the people behind its unparalleled success story with two new locomotives and the first Big Boy steam tour to the East Coast in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
Big Boy, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to Philadelphia for Fourth of July, with stops planned in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
Our nation's origin will be celebrated with a beautiful No. 1776 - America250 locomotive that will feature an American flag waving against the backdrop of a traditional, armor-yellow Union Pacific locomotive and the America250 logo. President Lincoln, our founder, is commemorated with the No. 1616 locomotive in a paint scheme characteristic of his era.
Our third and newest commemorative locomotive No. 4547 was built in partnership with Wabtec. It celebrates our current president, President Donald J. Trump and features large, flowing American flags on each side of the locomotive, one with 13 stars for the original colonies and the other depicting today's beloved red, white and blue flag.
This is the third in a series of presidential locomotives, which also includes the No. 4141, the locomotive that honors the late President George H.W. Bush, and that allowed our proud Union Pacific employees to transport the late president to his final resting place in College Station, Texas, where the locomotive is now on display at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
"Union Pacific is honored to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation," said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. "Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolizes important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come."
The Big Boy will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, March 29 for the first leg of its historic tour, returning April 24, after making stops in California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
The Eastern leg begins May 25 and will include display days in Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; and Scranton, Pennsylvania, before Big Boy's arrival in Philadelphia for Independence Day. Additional display days are anticipated in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, before the tour concludes July 29.
A detailed schedule for the East Coast leg, including whistlestop locations, will be released at a later date. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to join Union Pacific's Steam Club at upsteam.com.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at https://www.up.com.