Union Pacific Unveils Abraham Lincoln Locomotive in Arkansas, Expected Portland Debut May 10

Union Pacific has unveiled a specially painted SD70M locomotive, No. 1616, in tribute to President Abraham Lincoln, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the railroad by signing the Pacific Railway Act of 1862. The locomotive debuted in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and Union Pacific executives, including CEO Jim Vena. Painted in colors reminiscent of Lincoln’s era and mirroring the historic 4-4-0 No. 119 from the Golden Spike ceremony, the engine was prepared at the Downing B. Jenks Locomotive Shop. No. 1616 will serve as a traveling ambassador, making its first public stop on May 10 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland for National Train Day, before touring communities along Union Pacific’s 23-state network. This marks only the second time Union Pacific has dedicated a locomotive to a U.S. president, reflecting pride in its heritage and Lincoln’s enduring influence on American railroads.