Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 Visits the Parkland

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - The Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, one of the world's largest steam locomotives, rolled through the Parkland Thursday, making stops in DeSoto, Bismarck, and Arcadia as part of its "Heartland of America Tour." This historic locomotive departed from Cheyenne, Wyoming, on August 28 and is traveling across nine states, including Missouri.

Big Boy No. 4014 is a piece of living history. Built in 1941, it’s one of 25 Big Boys made exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad. At 132 feet long and weighing 1.2 million pounds, these behemoths were designed to haul heavy freight over the rugged terrain of the Wasatch Mountains. Today, only seven of these giants remain on display across the country, including one in St. Louis.

Bismarck Mayor Seth Radford shared his excitement during the locomotive’s visit, calling it a rare opportunity for the community to connect with a piece of American rail history.

The Big Boy No. 4014 was retired in 1961 after logging over a million miles in service. Union Pacific reacquired it from the Rail Giants Museum in California in 2013 and brought it back to Cheyenne for an extensive restoration. It returned to the rails in 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion.

Ironton Mayor Jeff Stinson said the train’s presence brings everyone out.

The Big Boy’s journey has sparked interest from train enthusiasts, families, and history buffs alike. Carol Kelsheimer, President of Our Town Tomorrow, noted the positive impact events like this can have on the local community.

Big Boy No. 4014’s journey continues as it makes its way through the Midwest, connecting the past with the present on this unforgettable tour.