Trains have played a key role in shaping the development of the United States, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 revolutionized transportation, connecting the east and west coasts. Historic steam locomotives, like the famous 4-8-4 Union Pacific “Big Boy,” have become symbols of the golden age of rail travel.
Passenger trains like the Pullman Company’s luxury cars offered a glimpse of the opulence and comfort of train travel during its peak. Freight trains have also been critical to the economy, moving goods across the country. Many of these historic trains are now preserved in museums or operate on heritage railroads, allowing visitors to experience a piece of American history.