CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City took the wraps off its America 250 locomotive today, becoming the first Class I railroad to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial with a specially painted locomotive.
“This locomotive, built and painted in Fort Worth, Texas, honors the remarkable and proud history of America as we prepare to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary,” CEO Keith Creel said in a statement. “As a U.S. Army veteran, I am proud to join my 6,000 fellow railroaders living and working across America in celebrating the contributions of all Americans throughout our history. Together, we join the nation in looking forward with vision and hope to the accomplishments of generations yet to come.”
KCS No. 1776, a new Tier 4 ET44AC locomotive from Wabtec’s Fort Worth manufacturing facility, is the first of five CPKC locomotives that will bear the America 250 livery.
It features Old Glory Red and Old Glory Blue colors as well as the logo of America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Other features include graphic representations of the Declaration of Independence opening phrase “In Congress” and the famous first words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, as well as 13 stars encircling the date July 4, 1776.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the industries and individuals who have helped build and connect our nation,” said Jen Condon, executive vice president at America250. “Freight rail has played a vital role in America’s growth and progress, and CPKC’s commemorative locomotive is a powerful tribute to that legacy as we approach this historic milestone.”
About one third of CPKC’s employees live and work in the United States, serving thousands of businesses in the agriculture, automotive, steel, energy, chemical and consumer markets across America. CPKC’s roots stretch back to the founding age of American railroading with the Delaware & Hudson and the expansion age of American railroading in the late 19th century with Arthur E. Stilwell’s founding in 1887 of the Kansas City Suburban Belt Railway.
A number of short line railroads and commuter agencies released their America 250 locomotives beginning in 2025.
The images below are screenshots from a video CPKC shared on X.
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