Union Pacific Celebrates America's 250th Birthday with Historic Big Boy No. 4014 Tour

On April 11, 2026, Union Pacific Corporation welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer for a special visit to Roseville, California, to celebrate the unveiling of the Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive. This event marked the beginning of a historic coast-to-coast tour in honor of America's 250th birthday, spotlighting Union Pacific's vital role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure and economy.

During her visit, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer climbed aboard the renowned Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world. The locomotive's first public display attracted an impressive 61,000 visitors over a two-day period, showcasing its historical significance and the community's enthusiasm for railroads.

CEO Jim Vena led the tour, emphasizing the importance of railroads in driving economic growth and connecting communities. "This tour highlights the vital role railroads have played in building our nation – driving economic growth, fostering development, and connecting communities and businesses to global markets," he stated.

In addition to the Big Boy No. 4014, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer toured Union Pacific's J.R. David Yard in Roseville. This critical hub is one of the busiest rail terminals on the West Coast, playing an essential role in managing Northern California's rail traffic. The Secretary’s visit underscored the complexity and importance of logistical operations in the rail industry.

"We were honored to host Secretary Chavez-DeRemer as we celebrate America’s birthday with Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast journey from California to New York," Vena remarked, reiterating the company’s commitment to its historical legacy.

The Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive, commissioned by Union Pacific in the early 1940s, was designed to haul significant freight volumes over the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. Weighing 1.2 million pounds and spanning 133 feet in length, the locomotive epitomizes engineering excellence and historical importance, being a symbol of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869. The railroad revolutionized American trade and travel, transforming a once perilous three-month journey by wagon into a less than one-week rail travel experience between New York and California.

On April 10, 2026, the Big Boy locomotive officially commenced its coast-to-coast tour from downtown Sacramento, near the historic Milepost 0, the starting point of the first transcontinental railroad's construction. This journey not only commemorates the railroad's historical significance but also connects current and future generations to the rich legacy of rail transport in the United States.

"Union Pacific played a pivotal role in the history of our country as one of the two companies that constructed the first transcontinental railroad," said Chavez-DeRemer. "We are excited they have chosen to honor America’s 250th birthday with a coast-to-coast tour that showcases their integral role in building an impressive freight rail network."

Union Pacific’s celebration of America's 250th birthday with the Big Boy No. 4014 tour serves as a reminder of the critical role that railroads play in the nation’s economy and history. With planned public displays across the country, the event not only honors the past but also reinforces the company’s commitment to connecting communities and businesses while promoting environmentally responsible freight transport. As Union Pacific continues to bridge the gap between the past and present, it remains a cornerstone of America’s infrastructure.