The locomotive that pulled the 1975–76 American Freedom Train across the western United States was Southern Pacific 4449.
The American Freedom Train was a traveling museum created for the United States Bicentennial. Its 26 cars carried historic objects and cultural artifacts, and the train traveled through all 48 contiguous states. Different steam locomotives handled different regions rather than one engine pulling the entire route.
Southern Pacific 4449, a streamlined GS-4 class 4-8-4 locomotive, was assigned to the western portion of the tour. It wore a distinctive red, white, and blue paint scheme for the celebration. The locomotive was restored for the tour after spending years on outdoor display in Portland, Oregon.
Two other major locomotives also powered the train: Reading Company No. 2101 primarily worked in the East, while Texas & Pacific No. 610 operated in Texas. The train began its journey in April 1975 and completed its final scheduled movement in December 1976.