Which locomotive pulled the American Freedom Train through the western United States?

Southern Pacific No. 4449 pulled the American Freedom Train through the western United States.

No. 4449 was a Southern Pacific GS-4 class steam locomotive. It hauled the Bicentennial train across the Western region after Reading Company No. 2101 handled the opening portion of the tour. Texas & Pacific No. 610 later pulled the train in Texas and on other sections.

The locomotive received a special red, white, and blue paint scheme for the tour. That appearance made No. 4449 one of the most recognizable symbols of the traveling celebration. The train’s route crossed the country, and each principal steam locomotive was assigned to a different regional portion rather than operating over the entire itinerary.

The three locomotives are easy to mix up because all were associated with the same train. No. 2101 was first, No. 4449 was the western locomotive, and No. 610 was the Texas locomotive. Diesel engines also assisted on certain segments because of track conditions and operational problems.