BALTIMORE — Following the completion of a year-long cosmetic restoration, American Freedom Train locomotive No. 1 was unveiled to the public in a special ceremony at the B&O Railroad Museum on Jan. 12. The engine pulled the American Freedom Train in the Northeast during its 1975-76 tour commemorating the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the nation’s bicentennial.
“The American Freedom Train and the locomotive that pulled it, the AFT No. 1, were a touring museum carrying artifacts representing the best of our country,” said Kris Hoellen, B&O Railroad Museum executive director. “Today, we are honoring this great nation and the mode of transportation that made the Freedom Train possible — the railroad, which is celebrating 200 years in 2027. The AFT No. 1 serves as a bridge connecting these two important anniversaries.”
For the ceremonies, AFT No. 1 was positioned in bay No. 11 of the museum’s Mount Clare roundhouse. The locomotive was first presented in a media event, which included former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Bruno Maestri, Amtrak’s vice president of government affairs and corporate communications.
“Maryland is proud to be the home of this national treasure,” O’Malley said. “By preserving the AFT No. 1, we are preserving the memories of millions of Americans and reinforcing the unity of our state and country.”
As the American Freedom Train No. 1 was revealed, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner’s song “Here Comes the Freedom Train” filled the roundhouse, conjuring visions of the train’s journey and its impact on millions of Americans. This was a special moment in the program as members of the original AFT crew stood alongside the locomotive. Present were: Steve Wickersham, engineer; Harold Weisinger, fireman machinist; Louis Arcuri, fireman machinist; and Valerie Arcuri, business manager for Ross Rowland, who helped plan the train’s tour.
Organized by Ross Rowland and funded by the public, the American Freedom Train featured 12 display cars, 10 of them filled with 500 artifacts representing 200 years of American history. More than 7 million Americans visited the AFT as it toured all 48 contiguous states. It began its epic journey April 1, 1975, and traveled for 21 months, concluding its tour Dec. 31, 1976.
American Freedom Train No. 1, previously Reading Co. T-1 No. 2101, underwent a comprehensive cosmetic restoration to preserve its exterior appearance and cab interior for long-term public display. The restoration process stabilized, repaired, and accurately restored the locomotive’s exterior and cab. It was in poor condition before restoration, with extensive paint loss, corrosion, and missing or damaged original components. The restoration involved careful disassembly, cleaning of exposed metal surfaces, and the use of original materials whenever possible.
AFT No. 1 is now on public display for all visiting the museum. The locomotive will be featured in a series of America 250 programs at the museum. On specific dates, the locomotive’s cab will be opened for tours. Additionally, the museum will offer an American Freedom Tour, discussing through its collection how the railroads helped “open the door to freedom.”
For additional information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit the museum’s website. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit this website dedicated to the event.
