U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Visits Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 During Historic 2026 Tour
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer marked a memorable moment in American transportation history on April 11 with a firsthand visit to Union Pacific’s iconic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive. The visit took place in Roseville, California, where the legendary locomotive made its first public appearance as part of its highly anticipated 2026 coast-to-coast tour commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
During her visit, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer climbed into the cab of the historic locomotive, gaining a close-up view of the engineering marvel that has come to symbolize the power and legacy of American railroads. The tour was personally led by Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena, who guided the Secretary through both the locomotive and the company’s expansive rail operations in Northern California.
The visit was not only ceremonial but also educational, highlighting the enduring importance of rail transportation in the United States economy and infrastructure. In addition to exploring Big Boy No. 4014, Chavez-DeRemer toured Union Pacific’s J.R. David Yard in Roseville—one of the busiest and most strategically significant rail classification yards on the West Coast.
A Landmark Celebration of America’s Rail Heritage
Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is at the center of a nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th birthday. The 2026 tour is designed to honor the critical role railroads have played in shaping the nation’s economic development, connecting distant regions, and facilitating the movement of goods and people across vast distances.
Speaking during the event, Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena emphasized the historical and ongoing importance of railroads in the United States.
“We were honored to host Secretary Chavez-DeRemer as we celebrate America’s birthday with Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast journey from California to New York,” Vena said. “This tour highlights the vital role railroads have played in building our nation—driving economic growth, fostering development, and connecting communities and businesses to global markets.”
The Roseville stop was one of the most significant early highlights of the tour, drawing widespread public attention and enthusiasm. Over the course of two days, approximately 61,000 visitors attended the display event, making it one of the largest gatherings planned along the route. Families, rail enthusiasts, historians, and community members gathered to witness the massive locomotive up close, many seeing it in operation for the first time.
Government Recognition of Rail’s Historic Role
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s participation underscored the federal government’s recognition of the railroad industry’s foundational role in American history. During her remarks, she acknowledged Union Pacific’s legacy as one of the companies responsible for constructing the first transcontinental railroad—an achievement that transformed the nation in the 19th century.
“Union Pacific played a pivotal role in the history of our country as one of the two companies that constructed the first transcontinental railroad,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “We are excited they have chosen to honor America’s 250th birthday with a coast-to-coast tour that showcases their integral role in building an impressive freight rail network.”
Her visit also highlighted the continued importance of investing in transportation infrastructure and workforce development—key priorities for the Department of Labor. By engaging directly with Union Pacific’s leadership and workforce, Chavez-DeRemer gained insight into the modern rail industry’s operations, safety standards, and employment opportunities.
Inside the J.R. David Yard: A Critical Logistics Hub
In addition to touring Big Boy No. 4014, the Secretary visited Union Pacific’s J.R. David Yard in Roseville. This massive classification yard is a cornerstone of rail operations in Northern California and serves as a critical hub for freight movement across the western United States.
Classification yards like J.R. David Yard are essential for organizing railcars by destination, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of goods. The facility handles a wide variety of cargo, ranging from agricultural products and consumer goods to industrial materials and intermodal containers.
The Roseville yard’s strategic location and high throughput make it one of the busiest rail terminals on the West Coast. It plays a vital role in supporting regional and national supply chains, particularly as demand for freight transportation continues to grow in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The Launch of a Historic Coast-to-Coast Journey
The 2026 tour officially began on April 10 in downtown Sacramento, California, near the historic Milepost 0 site. This location holds deep historical significance, as it marks the starting point of the Central Pacific Railroad’s construction of the first transcontinental railroad in 1863.
That monumental project, completed in 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah, was a defining moment in American history. Built by approximately 20,000 workers over six years, the railroad connected the eastern and western United States for the first time, revolutionizing transportation and commerce.
Before the railroad’s completion, traveling from New York to California could take up to three months by horse-drawn wagon under hazardous conditions. The transcontinental railroad reduced that journey to less than a week, dramatically accelerating trade, migration, and economic expansion.
By launching the Big Boy No. 4014 tour from Sacramento, Union Pacific paid tribute to the origins of this transformative infrastructure and its enduring legacy.
Big Boy No. 4014: A Living Legend of Engineering
Big Boy No. 4014 stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in railroad engineering. Originally built in the early 1940s, it was one of 25 Big Boy locomotives commissioned by Union Pacific to haul heavy freight loads over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.
Today, it holds the distinction of being the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Weighing approximately 1.2 million pounds and measuring 133 feet in length, the locomotive is a true giant of the rails. Its sheer size and power were designed to meet the demanding needs of wartime and industrial freight transportation during a critical period in U.S. history.
To put its scale into perspective, Big Boy No. 4014 is more than half the length of a Boeing 747 aircraft. Its massive boiler, driving wheels, and articulated design allow it to generate immense pulling power, making it capable of hauling long, heavy trains across challenging terrain.
After being retired in the mid-20th century, the locomotive was meticulously restored by Union Pacific and returned to operational status in 2019. Since then, it has become a traveling ambassador for rail heritage, drawing crowds across the country and inspiring new generations to appreciate the history of American railroads.
Engaging Communities Across the Nation
The 2026 coast-to-coast tour is designed not only as a historical tribute but also as a community engagement initiative. With eight major public display events planned throughout the year, Union Pacific aims to bring the Big Boy experience to diverse audiences across the United States.
Each stop along the tour offers visitors the opportunity to learn about railroad history, explore the locomotive up close, and interact with Union Pacific employees and historians. These events serve as educational platforms, highlighting the evolution of rail technology and its impact on modern society.
The overwhelming turnout in Roseville demonstrates the strong public interest in rail heritage and the enduring fascination with iconic machines like Big Boy No. 4014.
As Big Boy No. 4014 continues its journey from California to New York, it carries with it a powerful message about the past, present, and future of American transportation. The locomotive’s journey symbolizes the spirit of innovation, resilience, and connectivity that has defined the nation for more than two centuries.
For Union Pacific, the tour represents an opportunity to celebrate its legacy while also showcasing its modern operations and commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and workforce development.
For the Department of Labor, the visit reinforces the importance of supporting industries that provide high-quality jobs and contribute to economic growth.
And for the thousands of people who gather to witness Big Boy in action, it is a rare chance to experience a living piece of history—one that continues to move, inspire, and connect communities across the country.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the journey of Big Boy No. 4014 serves as a fitting tribute to the nation’s rich industrial heritage and the enduring role of railroads in shaping its future.
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