Union Pacific honored its 163rd anniversary in Springfield with the unveiling of the Lincoln Locomotive, a tribute to its historic roots and Abraham Lincoln’s vision. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Union Pacific honored its 163rd anniversary in Springfield with the unveiling of the Lincoln Locomotive, a tribute to its historic roots and Abraham Lincoln’s vision
Source, photo: railwaypro.com

The newly painted Lincoln Locomotive, officially numbered 1616, debuted in Springfield, Illinois—President Lincoln’s hometown and birthplace of Union Pacific’s founding idea. The design reflects the style and color palette of the 1860s, drawing direct inspiration from the historic No. 119 that symbolized the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.

Don’t miss…Oregon Invests $100 Million in South Coast Trade Expansion

Lincoln Locomotive Celebrates Rail Legacy in Springfield

Union Pacific officials emphasized the connection between Abraham Lincoln’s vision and the company’s modern mission. In 1862, Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, which authorized the creation of a nationwide rail network. Today, Union Pacific remains a key force in U.S. logistics, serving industries like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

Vice President of Public Affairs Liisa Stark stated, “Lincoln would be proud to see how railroads still connect our communities and move essential goods across the country.” She added that the Lincoln Locomotive represents not just history, but also Union Pacific’s commitment to innovation and service.

The North Little Rock shop team in Arkansas painted the locomotive, which now acts as a traveling ambassador across the rail network. Springfield received the honorary title of “Train Town USA,” recognizing its deep historic ties to rail transportation.

Union Pacific’s Lincoln Locomotive Honors Historic Milestone

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher welcomed the event, noting Lincoln’s role in unifying the nation through transportation. “The Lincoln Locomotive reminds us of how vision and infrastructure can transform economies and bring people together,” she said.

Supporters of the event included the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, Looking for Lincoln, and Hanson Professional Services. Dignitaries, railroad leaders, and local officials attended the celebration, reinforcing the impact of Union Pacific’s continued investment in national connectivity.

Union Pacific employs more than 30,000 people and continues to lead freight operations across the U.S., proving the Lincoln Locomotive is more than a symbol—it’s a bridge between past and future.

Source, photo: railwaypro.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…CN Commits $110 Million to Wisconsin Rail Infrastructure

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit