After much anticipation, we’re thrilled to invite you to experience the newly restored American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1—a powerful symbol of American pride, unity, and ingenuity.
The American Freedom Train captured the nation’s imagination during its 21-month Bicentennial journey from April 1975 to December 1976, visiting all 48 contiguous states and 138 cities. Onboard were more than 500 treasured artifacts of American history and culture—from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s robes to Judy Garland’s Wizard of Oz dress—drawing over 7 million visitors nationwide.
Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1923, the AFT No. 1—originally Reading Railroad No. 2101—pulled the Freedom Train through the eastern United States. Just a year later, it returned to the rails to lead the Chessie Steam Special, commemorating the 150th anniversary of American railroading.
Now beautifully restored, AFT No. 1 stands ready once again to inspire all who believe in the enduring spirit of freedom and progress. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to step inside the cab!
*The cosmetic restoration of the American Freedom Train No. 1 was supported in part by a Federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and by generous private donors.
Tours:
Tours will be available between 10 AM – 4 PM.
America 250: Unlocked
Celebrate America’s Story—One Railcar at a Time
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. Each month, step inside a different piece of rail history and experience the stories that helped build a nation. In honor of this milestone, American Freedom Train No. 1 will be opened twice in 2026—January and July—offering a rare chance to celebrate the spirit of freedom and innovation that defines America’s rail legacy.
You’ll also have the opportunity to step inside the newly restored B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car.
Become a Museum Member and receive free admission for each collection piece. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the doors on these historic pieces!
Step inside the complete 2026 series!
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
January 24, 25, & 28
The AFT No. 1 toured the United States with the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
B&O No. 3316 Pullman “Washington” Observation Tavern Car
February 25, 28 & March 1
Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation tavern car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.
B&O No. 600 John C. Davis
March 18, 21 & 22
Produced by B&O Master of Machinery in 1875, the No. 600 was the first “Mogul” type railroad intended for passenger services, and the largest locomotive in the world at the time.
B&O No. CE-10 Electric Switcher
April 15, 18 & 19
The B&O No. CE-10 once traversed the sharp turns and narrow street of Fells Point. Put into service at the dawn of the 20th century, the fully-electric locomotive was a revolution in green technology.
B&O No. 21 Passenger Coach
May 20, 23 & 24
Built by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868, the B&O No. 21 resembles the daytime passenger coach used by civilians and military personnel during the Civil War.
MARC No. 7100
June 17, 20 & 21
Built by GM-EMD in 1951, the MARC No. 7100’s diesel engine was replaced with a “head-end-power plant” in 1980. Now operating as an Auxiliary Power Control Unit (APCU), the No. 7100 is used solely for powering a train’s electrical systems.
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
July 4, 15, 18 & 19
The AFT No. 1 will be unlocked again in honor of the nation’s 250th Independence Day, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train.
C&O No. 490 Hudson
August 19, 22 & 23
Built by ALCO in 1926, the C&O No. 490 was one of the last passenger locomotives to operate on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Nicknamed the “Yellowbelly,” this “Hudson” type locomotive is recognized for its stylish streamlined body.
B&O No. 445 “Royal Blue Coach”
September 16, 19 & 20
Built by the Pullman Company c.1890, the B&O No. 445 passenger coach was rebuilt in 1927 to represent a car from the B&O’s flagship Royal Blue passenger train.
B&O No. 3528
October 21, 24 & 25
Built in 1923 and retired in 1983, the B&O No. 3528 heavyweight coach was the last commercial passenger car to service former-B&O lines.
B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins”
November 20, 21 & 22
Designed to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains and unveiled in 1863, the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army.
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“The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation is easily one of the best railroad museums in the country, if not the world.”
Geoffrey Morrison
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