Do You Remember America's Freedom Train?

In the early 1970’s, in anticipation of the Nation’s upcoming Bicentennial celebration, a group of private citizens spearheaded an effort to use a steam-powered locomotive to pull a string of 12 specially designed, air-conditioned exhibit cars throughout the country. It would allow visitors to come on board and view over 500 precious treasures of Americana through huge “showcase” windows. And, it would be financed primarily by corporate sponsors, not government funds.

Among the artifacts were George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase document, Civil War artifacts, Judy Garland’s dress from the Wizard of Oz, Joe Frazier’s boxing trunks, Martin Luther King’s pulpit, astronaut Alan Shepard’s Apollo space suit, and even a rock from the moon. A moving sidewalk ran the length of each train car, which helped keep the crowd from backing up. An estimated 1,800 visitors could tour the train each hour.

Western Springs residents had several opportunities to see the train. For example, many traveled downtown to Navy Pier where the train was on display between July 28 and August 3. And, on August 7, the train moved west, passing through downtown Western Springs around 1 p.m. While only a small portion of the exhibits were visible through the train’s large exterior windows, many residents lined the tracks, none the less. The train then stopped at Aurora, where it was once again available for tours on August 12 and 13.

Over a 21-month period from April 1, 1975 to December 31, 1976, the train toured all 48 contiguous states. While more than 7 million Americans toured the train, literally tens of millions stood trackside to see it pass by. See second photo.

Although the Freedom Train passed through Western Springs nearly four hours behind schedule, for one brief moment, those residents were part of what would be the only nationwide Bicentennial celebration event.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.