Abraham Lincoln and the King
Text courtesy Union Pacific:
The two locomotives appeared together for the first time in Wyoming and Colorado.
Union Pacific team members celebrating Frontier Days include, from left: John Turner, senior vice president- Operations; Liisa Stark, vice president-Public Affairs, CEO Jim Vena; and Nathan Anderson, senior director-Public Affairs.
Union Pacific team members celebrating Frontier Days include, from left: John Turner, senior vice president- Operations; Liisa Stark, vice president-Public Affairs, CEO Jim Vena; and Nathan Anderson, senior director-Public Affairs.
Two of Union Pacific’s most popular locomotives rode the rails together for the first time ever, with Big Boy No. 4014 and Lincoln Locomotive No. 1616 appearing in Colorado and Wyoming as part of a limited excursion tour.
Thousands of people were on hand when the two locomotives made two whistle-stops last week in Greeley, Colorado, followed by an appearance at the historic Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Along the way, Union Pacific representatives met with key community members, customers and elected officials, including Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins.
Big Boy and its auxilliary water tender were at the front of the train, followed by the Lincoln Locomotive and about 15 cars from Union Pacific’s heritage fleet, including dining cars and 1950s-era passenger cars.
Union Pacific’s No. 1616 Lincoln Locomotive is the railroad’s newest commemorative locomotive, honoring Abraham Lincoln’s role in uniting the nation through rail and laying the foundation for America’s freight rail network.
Union Pacific has been involved in Frontier Days since its start in 1897 when the railroad offered special rates for passengers to travel to the famed rodeo and western celebration in Cheyenne, while helping to advertise and promote the festivities.
Although this year’s excursion is limited, Big Boy and the Lincoln Locomotive will return to the rails in a big way in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Stay tuned for details.
