A Living Legend: Historic Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Engine No. 844

Have you ever heard the classic whistle of an old locomotive train?  There are few opportunities to see historical American rail equipment preserved and in working condition, but just once in while legends do come to life in the form of Historic Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Engine No. 844.

Known as The Living Legend, Engine No. 844 is the last steam locomotive that was built for the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1940’s as a high-speed passenger engine.  It weighs over 900,000 lbs, or about 450 tons, has 14 wheels, holds 6,200 gallons of fuel, and has 63,800 lbs of tractive power (from www.up.com).

The Living Legend first passed northbound through Laramie, Wyoming on it’s way over Sherman Hill towards Cheyenne on September 20th, 2012 and again on April 18th, 2017 stopping at the Historic Train Depot at Depot Park downtown.  It truly is a sign to behold in all it’s restored glory after already having traveled hundreds of thousands of miles on the railways.

After diesel engines took over the train was saved from being demolished and now serves and the Union Pacific’s own piece of Living Legend, making appearances at railroad museums, celebrations, and festivals.  The sound of the train’s whistle echoing over the high plains of Laramie, Wyoming serves as a reminder to how to the west itself was settled and is the very reason a lot of towns in Wyoming are spaced about 30 miles apart.  Next time you have the chance to see a steam locomotive for yourself in person, definitely take the time to go see it.

 

If you are inserted in taking a piece of the Living Legend home for yourself,  contact us at Allison@SenecaCreekStudios.com or at 307.298.0462 and get a photo greeting card or fine art print of your favorite photographs from this historic moment in the West.