Alberta-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) recently announced it has issued a commemorative locomotive that honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
Approximately 33 percent of CPKC’s employees live and work in the United States, and the company’s roots include 19th century American railroads. Arthur Stilwell founded Kansas City Suburban Belt Railway in 1887.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the industries and individuals who have helped build and connect our nation,” Jen Condon, America 250 executive vice president, said. “Freight rail has played a vital role in America’s growth and progress, and CPKC’s commemorative locomotive is a powerful tribute to that legacy as we approach this historic milestone.”
America250 is the official organization tasked with 250th anniversary celebrations.
The locomotive was build in Wabtec’s Fort Worth, Texas, manufacturing facility and features a patriotic paint design, the America250 logo, the Declaration of Independence’s opening phrase and the U.S. Constitution’s first words. It is the first of five locomotives that will bear the America 250 livery.
CPKC is the only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and Mexico. It operates 8,800 miles in 19 U.S. states, the U.S. portion representing nearly 40 percent of CPKC’s network.