We’re just days away from America’s 250th anniversary, and the celebrations are full steam ahead (literally). As part of the festivities, CSX America is bringing two locomotives commemorating the semiquincentennial through the DMV on Tuesday.
The special train will depart the Virginia Railway Express/Amtrak station in Alexandria at 11:30 a.m. before crossing the Potomac River in Arlington and making its way to Union Station in Washington, DC, around 12:45 p.m.
“Freight railroads have powered American growth and prosperity for more than two centuries,” said Steve Angel, president and chief executive officer of CSX. “These locomotives celebrate that unique American legacy and the people who made it possible.”
The two commemorative locomotives — numbered 250 and 2026 — will lead the way for a train that includes two heritage units in original 1827 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad colors, and 10 historic executive business cars used for presidential movements.
The design for the 250 locomotive celebrates the semiquincentennial with a stars-and-stripes theme. Following behind is the 2026 locomotive, which features an American bald eagle and the phrase “United We Stand.”
Once the train departs Alexandria, bystanders will be able to catch a glimpse at a variety of parks along the tracks. CSX says the best spot to view the train is Long Bridge Park in Arlington. Other viewpoints include East Potomac Park, Hancock Park, Garfield Park, Anacostia Park, Ivy City, and Union Station in DC, and Bladensburg Waterfront Park and Melrose Park in Maryland.
After the event, both locomotives will enter regular service along the CSX network.
Feature image courtesy CSX
