America’s 250th Anniversary on Independence Day, 4th July, was celebrated in style in Philadelphia with the appearance of the World’s largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s No. 4014 Big Boy.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern arranged for the legendary locomotive’s appearance as tens of thousands gathered to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with the America250 Block Party.

Big Boy’s visit to Philadelphia is part of a 7,000-mile coast-to-coast tour it is making across 14 states, marking its first journey in the eastern USA since 1941.

The tour of the US with Big Boy shows how Union Pacific and Norfolk are connecting communities and highlights the importance to the US economy of transporting freight by rail.

The event in Philadelphia included a recreation of driving the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869, with the driving of a ceremonial Silver Spike that Big Boy had carried from Sacramento, California.

The Silver Spike commemorates Big Boy’s first-ever coast-to-coast tour and will be on show in the Union Pacific Railroad Museum’s Experience Car, which is part of the tour that ends on 29th July in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Last December, Norfolk Southern joined forces with Amtrak to operate a Holiday Train that would deliver toys and holiday cheer to families across the Northeast USA.

“Celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary in Philadelphia is truly spectacular and there’s no better way to honor this milestone than with the world’s largest operating steam locomotive – a reflection of rail’s role in building America,” Vena said. “Big Boy’s first-ever coast-to-coast journey reflects our proud history building communities and our commitment to the future as we continue delivering safe, reliable service that keeps the U.S. supply chain moving.”

Jim Vena, CEO, Union Pacific Railroad

“Seeing thousands of people gather around Big Boy and Norfolk Southern’s America’s 250 locomotive series, including The Bell, is a powerful reminder of the role railroads and railroaders have played, and will continue to play, in shaping our country,” George said. “We’re proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by honouring our shared heritage and the people, innovation and infrastructure that continue to connect communities, power the economy and create opportunities for generations to come.”

Mark George, President and CEO, Norfolk Southern