Norfolk Southern celebrates America’s 250th with commemorative locomotive series and historic “Big Boy” tour

Norfolk Southern today unveiled plans to celebrate America’s anniversary by debuting its new America’s 250th locomotive series – six custom locomotives that will tour the east coast in a multi-market celebration including public and community events across the railroad’s network.

As part of the milestone campaign, Norfolk Southern will host Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — on its network for the engine’s first tour in the Northeast. The train consist will also include four historic business cars, including the Marco Polo, a restored Pullman car once used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In total, the train consist, inclusive of the NS’ America’s 250th locomotive series, a historic lineup of business cars, and Big Boy No. 4014, will travel the east coast to offer Norfolk Southern employees, railfans, and local communities the chance to experience historic events throughout the summer.

“Railroads helped build this nation by connecting communities, powering industry, and creating opportunity across generations,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Norfolk Southern’s new locomotive series and the historic Big Boy journey across our network, honor that legacy while spotlighting the employees, infrastructure, and innovation that continue driving America forward today.”

NS’s New Custom Locomotives

The company’s commemorative locomotives draw inspiration from enduring American symbols and the role railroads have played in connecting people, places, and commerce for nearly two centuries. The series includes tributes to the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty, the American bald eagle, and Norfolk Southern’s patriotic Thoroughbred heritage, while also recognizing the role predecessor railroads played in transporting enduring national symbols across the country.

On this landmark tour, the cars will travel key freight corridors shaped by Norfolk Southern and its predecessor railroads, linking historic rail communities with the modern supply chains that power the U.S. economy today. Together, the locomotives reflect the pride, resilience, and railroad legacy woven throughout America’s history.

As part of the celebration, a limited run of milestone America’s 250th NS merchandise, including hats, mugs, and other collectibles will be available in limited quantities for purchase from the NS Company Store.