Where did the American Freedom Train begin its 1975 Bicentennial tour?

The American Freedom Train began its 1975 Bicentennial tour in Wilmington, Delaware.

The traveling exhibition was created to bring American history and national treasures to communities across the country before the 1976 Bicentennial. It launched on April 1, 1975, and ultimately traveled through the 48 contiguous states. The train's journey lasted 21 months and covered 25,388 miles.

Its railcars displayed historic objects and cultural artifacts, including George Washington's copy of the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase document, the Liberty Bell replica, and items connected with American innovation and popular culture. Millions of people visited the train during its nationwide tour.

Wilmington is sometimes confused with Philadelphia because both cities are closely connected to early American history and are near one another. However, the train's official launch point was Wilmington, Delaware. The tour was one of the largest traveling projects associated with the American Revolution Bicentennial and helped make the anniversary accessible outside major national capitals.