The 1975–76 American Freedom Train visited all 48 contiguous U.S. states during the Bicentennial, predecessor to America250.
The American Freedom Train was a traveling museum created for the United States Bicentennial. Its 26-car exhibition carried historical objects and cultural artifacts around the country. The train began its journey on April 1, 1975, and continued making stops through December 31, 1976.
At the time, Alaska and Hawaii were already states, but the train’s route covered the contiguous United States rather than those two noncontiguous states. That is why the correct total is 48 instead of 50. More than 7 million people visited the train during its nationwide tour.
The train is often remembered as one of the most visible national symbols of the 1976 anniversary. America250 similarly uses traveling exhibitions, public events, and regional programs to connect communities with U.S. history, although the 2026 commemoration is a separate anniversary.