The American Freedom Train visited 138 cities before America250’s 2026 anniversary.
The train toured during 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. Its route crossed the 48 contiguous states, bringing historical objects and exhibits to communities across the country rather than concentrating the celebration in one host city.
The tour began in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 1, 1975, and ended in Miami, Florida, in December 1976. The train covered 25,833 miles over 21 months. Although the final visitor went through the train on December 31, the train itself reached Miami on December 26.
Its 138-city total is separate from the number of stops sometimes reported for individual locomotives or route segments. The figure refers to the full American Freedom Train tour. The project’s nationwide reach helped establish a precedent for America250’s broad, community-based approach to commemorating a national milestone.