August 31, 2026 – CSX’s America locomotives took center stage Aug. 28-30 at the America 250 Locomotive Celebration at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, joining a rare gathering of commemorative locomotives honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The event brought together locomotives from Class I, passenger, short line and museum railroads, offering visitors a close-up look at railroading’s history, craftsmanship and enduring role in American life. For CSX, the celebration also underscored the company’s long-standing role in connecting communities and supporting the nation’s economy. As the country prepares to mark 250 years, CSX is approaching a milestone of its own: its 200th anniversary in 2027.

“These locomotives celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country are very special,” said Scott Morgan, senior plant manager for CSX. “With CSX coming up on our 200-year mark, it really makes you think about how long we’ve supported the communities we serve. We have a lot of phenomenal employees who were involved, from the design to the paint, and the time and craftsmanship that went into these locomotives. It was a wonderful experience for our team to see them come out and be appreciated across our system.”

That pride extends beyond the shop floor to the railroaders who operate these locomotives across the CSX network.

“This genuinely is America’s train,” said Johnny Walker, CSX locomotive engineer. “The people operating it are doing it with pride and service, but also for the love of what we do.”

The celebration also gave railfans and museum visitors a chance to see the commemorative units up close and reflect on the role railroads have played in America’s past, present and future.

“This keeps railroading alive, not only from the history, but where we are today and what railroading will do for us going into the future,” said Rick Phillips, president of the North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation and a retired CSX employee.

As railroads come together to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, CSX’s America locomotives stand as a tribute to the industry’s heritage and a reminder of the people who keep it moving. They reflect the craftsmanship, pride and dedication of the railroaders who have helped move America forward — and who continue to support its economy every day.

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