Experience History in Motion: Big Boy Steam Locomotive Embarks on Epic America 250 Eastward Journey

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Published on 05 June 2026

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“I’ve always loved trains. It’s the history that fascinates me,” a visitor shared with Fox News, reflecting the sentiment of many who came to witness the spectacle.

For some, the allure of the steam giant was enough to warrant crossing state lines, eager for the rare opportunity to see this engineering marvel up close.

“It’s huge. It’s beautiful,” said Wisconsin resident Brandon Becker.

Big Boy No. 4014 was built in 1941 to haul heavy freight through the mountains of the American West. Union Pacific says 25 Big Boy locomotives were originally built, but No. 4014 is the only one operating today.

The locomotive weighs nearly 1.1 million pounds and stretches more than 130 feet long. It was restored to operating condition in 2019 after spending decades on public display.

Visitors were also able to get an up-close look at the locomotive during a public display event in West Chicago on Wednesday before it continued east.

“I took the day off just to see the train because I just love it,” Marcia Simler said.

The locomotive’s route is part of Union Pacific’s broader effort to commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. According to the railroad, the America 250 tour includes more than 50 whistle stops and public display events across 10 states.

Inside the cab, crew members monitor pressure, water and fire systems that power the massive steam engine. The locomotive continues to operate using steam technology first developed more than a century ago while drawing crowds of modern-day rail enthusiasts at each stop.

For many visitors, the attraction is equal parts engineering and history.

Ed Dickes, senior manager of Heritage Operations for Union Pacific Railroad, inside the cab of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 during a whistle-stop in Sterling, Illinois, on June 2, 2026. (Olivianna Calmes)

“Stirring patriotic feelings in me, that’s for sure,” John Bollig said.

Union Pacific says the eastern leg of the tour is being conducted in partnership with Norfolk Southern and marks the first time Big Boy has traveled to the East Coast.

The tour is scheduled to continue through Pennsylvania before arriving in Philadelphia, where the locomotive will participate in events tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.