Rollin’ down the line

Photo/ Adam Louis - The Union Pacific steam engine “Living Legend No. 844” rumbles through Morrill, Neb., on a celebratory run Thursday afternoon. The historic train’s operation is part of Union Pacific’s celebration of 150 years in business. The company was created in 1862, then dubbed Pacific Railway. The company’s creation was part of President Abraham Lincoln’s vision to create a transcontinental railroad; he signed the Pacific Railway Act on July 1, 1862. No. 844 was the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific and was delivered in 1944. When diesel engines took over, No. 844 was placed on freight service in Nebraska between 1957 and 1959. It was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and held for special service.

Track the progress of No. 844 on Twitter by following @UP_Steam.

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