In honor of 4449 returning to Minnesota this summer, here's one of my favorite shots of the 4-8-4. During the American Freedom Train's visit to the state in 1975, the train was displayed in Minneapolis' Minnehaha Park on the Milwaukee Road. At the end of the display the train was to be handed off to the BN in St. Paul, and head west toward Willmar. The move was to begin at night, but was delayed just enough to allow for this shot of the train crossing the famous Stone Arch Bridge at sunrise, with the sun barely burning through the morning fog. Today the bridge is a walking and biking path, but the 4449 still runs and will be stored between trips in Minneapolis just a few blocks from the bridge.
Displays of American pride, and spirit! Equipment painted Red, White, and Blue! With an honored salute and tribute to our veterans and troops added too! Patriots can still be found to join this gathering of Patriotic Pride!
