What train began the official events of the 1976 United States Bicentennial?

The American Freedom Train began the official events of the 1976 United States Bicentennial.

The train launched from Wilmington, Delaware, on April 1, 1975. It carried a large exhibition of American artifacts and traveled across the country as part of the preparations for the 200th anniversary of independence.

Its 21-month journey covered 25,388 miles and visited the 48 contiguous states. The exhibition included historic objects connected with American culture, government, science, and everyday life, allowing communities to encounter national history locally.

The American Freedom Train was not the same event as Operation Sail, the 1976 gathering of tall ships. Operation Sail is the maritime commemoration specifically associated with the Bicentennial, while the Freedom Train was a traveling land-based exhibition.