FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2026

The American Freedom Train Foundation 250 Announces Cancellation of the Quarter-Millennial Anniversary National Tour

The American Freedom Train (AFT) Foundation 250 regretfully announces that the planned national tour by the American Freedom Train, in honor of the Quarter-Millennial anniversary of the United States of America, has been cancelled.

Coming out of the tumultuous period at the start of this decade, planning for the Quarter-Millennial was behind schedule in relation to planning for the spirited Bicentennial. In an effort to honor America’s history and heroes, Ross Rowland, the visionary behind the 1975-76 Bicentennial version of the American Freedom Train, sought to get the train back on the tracks for the Quarter-Millennial celebrations. Following Ross’s unexpected passing in June 2025, others stepped up and worked to realize his goal.

In spite of committed efforts by the AFT Foundation 250’s board and its supporters, and despite a great appetite on the part of the American citizenry to see the train and to experience its planned onboard exhibits, this ambitious project unfortunately could not be brought to fruition. The team was unable to secure the necessary operating agreements with railroads, and there was insufficient interest on the part of corporate America in sponsoring the train. These challenges, in combination with the tight timelines involved, proved to be insurmountable.

All funds raised by the AFT Foundation 250 will continue to support the preservation and advancement of American steam railroading. Specifically, these funds will assist the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association in its efforts to return to service the Reading #250 steam locomotive, the sister locomotive of the Bicentennial’s Reading #1. 

As part of the Quarter-Millennial festivities, this historic 4-8-4 steam locomotive will be presented in a special American Freedom Train-inspired paint scheme as the “American Freedom Train #250.” Opportunities for the general public to see this locomotive in operation are expected this summer, and they will be announced in the coming weeks.

Other railroads and organizations across the country are planning their own commemorative events in honor of the Quarter-Millennial, and the AFT 250 Foundation encourages Americans to explore and support these local and regional celebrations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters, partners, the broader rail community, and other everyday Americans for their enthusiasm, commitment, and belief in this project.

Thank you for your support, and God bless this nation “conceived in Liberty.”

American Steam Railroad: www.americansteamrailroad.org

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