The American Freedom Train visited all 48 contiguous United States during the 1976 Bicentennial, a major predecessor to America250.
The train launched in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 1, 1975, beginning a 21-month national tour. It traveled 25,388 miles, carrying historical artifacts and exhibits that presented aspects of American history to visitors across the country.
The route covered the contiguous United States, also known as the “lower 48.” Alaska and Hawaii were not included in that rail journey because neither state is connected to the continental rail network. Both had already joined the Union by 1959, so the number refers to geography and route planning, not the number of states in the country at the time.
The Freedom Train was one of many large-scale Bicentennial projects designed to bring the commemoration to local communities rather than concentrate it in one city. The 2026 America250 observance likewise uses nationwide programs, reflecting the decentralized spirit of the earlier anniversary.