How many of us remember America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976? The special quarters, the fireworks, the American Freedom Train? The B&O Railroad Museum remembers and will begin a full cosmetic restoration of the American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) locomotive, which they expect to complete in December 2025, to be ready for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The following year, 2027, marks the 200th anniversary of American railroading.
The AFT No. 1 was one of three locomotives used to pull the American Freedom Train of 1975 and 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of American Independence. It is the only locomotive of the three original steam locomotives that retain the original American Freedom Train paint scheme.
When the locomotive was moved from the B&O Railroad Museum’s parking lot to the Restoration Shop in Fall 2023, nearly 30,000 people watched the move online.
“The AFT No. 1 is a symbol of patriotism and unity and captured the hearts and minds of millions of Americans during its nationwide tour,” said Kris Hoellen, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “We are proud to bring this icon of American history back to its former glory and to contribute to the America 250 celebration.”
The B&O Railroad Museum is the birthplace of American railroading, home to the first mile of commercial railroad track in America. It contains the most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, and the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse. It was was also designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site by the National Park Service. The AFT No. 1 will be prominently displayed there as part of its collection once it is fully restored.
The American Freedom Train toured the nation between April 1, 1975, and December 31, 1976, in celebration of the United States Bicentennial. The train was pulled by one of three steam locomotives: the No. 1, the No. 4449, and the No. 619, and seen by seven million Americans over the course of its 21-month journey.
The train visited all 48 contiguous states, and stopped at 138 cities, carrying artifacts and artworks related to American culture. Some cars were converted into “display cars” that visitors could enter and explore. Others were “showcase cars,” which had large windows for visitors to view the collections.
The collection of over 500 pieces of Americana included George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s robes and pulpit, Judy Garland’s dress from The Wizard of Oz, and a lunar rover.
Restoration of the AFT No. 1 is supported by a Federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Ed. note: A previous version of this article used source information that misidentified Locomotive No. 4449 as No. 4499. The article has been updated to reflect the train’s correct number.
I’m am excited to read this article on the restoration of the freedom train. I and my brother got to see the train and contents in Oklahoma city, OK. I still have my original ticket from that historic moment. I’m looking forward to seeing it again. Thank you.