"ALL ABOARD AMERICA" 1976 U.S. BICENTENNIAL FREEDOM TRAIN PROMOTIONAL FILM 54694

All Aboard America is a short 1976 film about the bicentennial celebration train, the American Freedom Train, discussing the project’s inception, design and construction, layout and route. The film shows some illustrations of America’s founding fathers, images from the Civil War, and early footage of an automobile, World War I, and Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing a crowd. John Warner, head of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, shows off the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights at the National Archives (03:50). A steam locomotive pulls a 24-car train (04:55). A man dressed in a colonial-era costume boards the train. Aerial footage shows the train cruising along railroad tracks. The train passes a windmill, drives through towns and over bridges, and cuts through farmland. At an old converted railroad station in New Jersey (07:13), American Freedom Train founder Ross Rowland speaks to the camera about his vision (08:20). In Venice, FL craftsmen modify old baggage cars into the cars that would become part of the American Freedom Trian (09:00). In Richmond, CA, People work on train cars for a west-coast train in Richmond, CA (09:58), cutting steel and welding the cars. Barry Howard of Larchmont, NY works on designs that will turn the old cars temporary display cars featuring the various exhibits (10:53). In 1974, people pull one of the old great “Iron Horse” locomotives, a Southern Pacific Daylight engine, from its pedestal in Oaks Park, located in Portland, OR. The former Reading Company T-1 class 4-8-4 #2101 engine is revamped for the eastern U.S. train (11:50). Designers shape a replica of the box in Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln sat when shot (12:20). Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner record a version of “Freedom Train” in a Nashville studio (12:37). Curator for Documents and Artifacts Ruth Packard speaks to the camera about the ten exhibit cars (13:35). Private Collectors catalog artifacts they are sending to be a part of the American Freedom Train (13:57). Actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis records audio for the train. Radio City Music Hall producer Leon Leonidoff speaks to the camera from his living room about the potential of the Freedom Train. The display cars are readied for final inspection (15:20). Design fabricators install the equipment, artifacts, and documents. Viewers see a 1904 Oldsmobile Scout and an 1849 fire engine loaded into a car in Alexandria, VA (16:10). President Gerald Ford waves to the crowd at the start of the grand opening of the American Freedom Train. The film takes viewers aboard the finished train. In Car 1 (17:00), viewers see priceless documents from American history; Car 2 features early Native American artifacts and depictions of America’s expansion west. Car 3 is a visual display of various American developments (18:00), while the next car features life-like mannequins who represent immigrants. The fifth car is filled with the works of American inventors, including some original inventions. Car 6 showcases the writings of everyday Americans. The next car is filled with sports heroes as well as different memorabilia such as baseball bats. In the eighth car, viewers see a world of entertainment, with photographs of movie stars, excerpts and video clips of movies, sheet music, and more. Car 9 features painters and sculptors (20:28), while the final car illustrates key moments in history, such as John F. Kennedy’s presidency and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s civil rights work. A band plays on 1 April 1975 in Wilmington, DL during the grand opening (21:23). People line up to walk through the train. Kids pose in old costumes. Train engineer Doyle McCormack speaks about being a part of the project. There are shots of the train passing through towns and cities, including Sioux Falls and Chicago. The film concludes with people riding on and posing in front of the train.
The American Freedom Train toured the country in 1975-76 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. The train was powered by three newly restored steam locomotives. The first to pull the train was a former Reading Company T-1 class 4-8-4 #2101. The second was former Southern Pacific 4449, a large 4-8-4 steam locomotive that is still operating in special excursion service today. The third was former Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 #610, which pulled the train in Texas. Due to light rail loadings and track conditions on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, diesels hauled the train from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. Diesels were also required in Chicago after the steam locomotive derailed attempting to negotiate tracks by the Chicago lakefront.
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFi...

[@SW2799]

I saw the Freedom train in Santa Barbara, California in December 1975, or January 1976. A wonderful memory of my late teenage years.

[@b3j8]

Worked as a volunteer when the Freedom Train came to Fort Wayne Indiana. Some of the nicest and most professional people staffed that train! I still have the special certificate volunteers received who assisted w/the Train's visit!

[@flyinmanatee118]

I walked through it in Fort Wayne. All I remember is Bob Lanier's Size 22 sneakers lol! R.I P.

[@Railhog2102]

Ross Rowland assembled an Army of professional employees to help the exhibit

[@gullreefclub]

I remember seeing this train it was a truly awesome thing to see. It was for a short time when businesses and people show a true love for our country

[@thunderbird1921]

Don't know if that would happen today. Feels like a different planet compared to that era of celebration and hope.

[@Westsoid2009]

This is from when America truly WAS great.

[@albclean]

I was in the fifth grade when this came out!!. They had the the entire bottom half of our school painted with the American flag and spirit of 76

[@FEdeRioBravo]

Me too. School field trip. Yuma, Arizona

[@weprintanything811]

Narrator: Robert Lansing. A prolific actor in TV. Underappreciated by some. Iconic mid-60s show lead in 12 O'Clock High. Gary Seven in STOS Assignment:Earth. This is a fine posting. Much appreciated. Bicentennial productions should be more widely available.

[@DavidKarlsson-ti6sb]

Saw it in Oakland when I was in kindergarten, and went at night with my folks. I remember it was cold, and seeing the projected faces throughout the cars. Wizard of Oz display. Still have my program! It made a mark. Loved it.

[@haroldishoy2113]

I was 14 in the summer of 1976 and saw the American Freedom Train when it came to Sacramento California. My Boy Scout Troop was happily tasked with assisting with the attraction. I remember the space and Apollo themed displays the most.

[@Kdschaak]

I was on it in Eugene, OR. This really brings back memories.

[@codywilliams5958]

Bring back many wonderful memories, saw this with my dad ❤

[@Willysmb44]

I was lucky enough that this came to my hometown over thanksgiving week, 1976. This special aired on TV a couple of times and I watched it each time. But I was just shy of my 7th birthday. I've since bene able to meet Doyle McCormack and Ross Rowland to thank them for all their efforts getting this train across the nation

[@mikehagan4320]

I went through th train as a kid. Some of my parents long time Friends treated our Family to the trip. We drove for a long time to see it. We lived in Indiana. I remember how big the engine was and seems to me Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of oz Were on display. I remember people dressed in old style clothes. Perhaps it was exposure to events like the train is why I am a patriotic American.

[@Moltar_Railfan]

Mike Hagan with engine was it? 4449 Or 2101?

[@samiam5557]

I saw this in Grand Rapids, MI in 1976. I remember it was OK, a bit over hyped, but I did enjoy it.

[@kidmack3556]

1976 and our Bicentennial was the absolute pinnacle of my patriotism. It was the second year of the best four years of my life. 1976 equals Getting a brand new President and Administration, finally an end to our involvement in Vietnam, our US Olympic boxing, skating, ski, swimming, and track teams whopping behinds, the Freedom Train and the Hokualea and all the GREAT music etc.etc. Yes... America was great then.

[@johnhardwick198]

Visited the Freedom 🚄 Train in 1976 in Columbia, South Carolina on a School field trip . 1976 was a time that people really reflected on American History. I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ I was alive during that time to see this part of history.

[@georgekinsey4132]

I remember going through the train as a 10-year-old with my dad, mom and sister near the riverfront in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis. I still have my souvenir pennant though it looks more beige now unlike the kid's bright white pennant in the film. I've always had memories of the entertainment awards (Academy Award, etc.), the movie costumes, and a shiny wood chest circa 1800 which showcased silver/sterling items that fitted into small compartments.

[@opencarrier8607]

I was on that in train when it stopped in Seattle. Rode a 100 miles from Roslyn Elementary in a bus. Kindergarten then what a trip to see again!!!! Great times!!

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

This is hitting close to home now! I was just entering high school when the train swung through Pomona... right by where Big Boy use to sit

[@sarjim4381]

I saw it in Pomona as well, back when they had painted and cleaned up the station. I rather doubt any corporation would ever sponsor something like the freedom train again. Way too much politics rolled up in our recent history.

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

@@sarjim4381 its true the sponsorship is probably way too political...But who knows the tricentenial is right around the corner! ;) at least they have a template on how it was done before...

[@sarjim4381]

@@michaelmccarthy4615 One can only hope we regain out collective sanity by then.

[@oaktadopbok665]

12:36 Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton - wow that's a blast from the past.

[@Railhog2102]

The American Freedom Train ran through my area in Ridgefield Park NJ in 1975 before the bicentennial celebrations kicked off, Ross Rowland was the head of this project and he along with several other volunteers worked 24/7 repairing the locomotives used to pull it and the whole thing was worth the effort since the public was very intrested.

[@darthvaydr]

I got to see this train when it stopped in Tulsa, Oklahoma in March of 1976!! I was only 5 years old at the time but after all these years, I still remember how so many details about that night and how excited I was to get to go on it. I remember standing in line for hours freezing at the old Tulsa Train Depot waiting to get on. The item that always stuck out to me the most was Dorothy’s dress from The Wizard of Oz. Those are some times in my life that I’ll always cherish the most.

[@franciscodanconia45]

Saw it in ‘76. Last time I saw the locomotive it was in the yard at the B&O museum in Baltimore

[@Railhog2102]

Same I saw the Reading northern on display in the outside yards

[@echohunter4199]

Wow, interesting documentary! I was 10 when I saw the Freedom Train in Dunsmuir, CA, I lived next to the tracks just to the north of the end of the town and was shocked to see the smoke and hear the whistle. One of the people there asked if I wanted to go on her and I jumped. Later on while an Army Recruiter in Oregon in 1995 I was fortunate enough to see SP4449 High ball past me at a track crossing doing 70 mph! The earth shook as she got closer and closer then screamed by as I rendered a military salute to the driver.

[@dariusthedmirconsolidation3494]

I’m so jealous that I wasn’t born at this time, just to experience this my self.

[@Railhog2102]

Darius so was I, While I wasn't around when the AFT was running it did stop through various places here in NJ including my area in Bergen County and the idea of this was born near the old CNJ at Lebanon when Ross Rowland created the idea of a traveling museum for the bicentennial

[@charmilltaco]

Who's cutting onions in here😭😭😭😭😆😆😂😂😂😄😄😄

[@railsetc]

Wonderful post, and certainly appropriate on Thanksgiving Day. I was born too late to see this train (although I have seen 4449 a number of times) and sadly the economic and security concerns of our modern society will probably preclude a repeat of it in 2026 for the 250th anniversary of our country.

[@simplsquam]

The UP 4014 first excursion kind of gives me hope, with how well it turned out. Showed that Americans still have a little heart beating for the trains

[@Railhog2102]

Ross is going to revive the AFT though I'm not sure if it's going to be steam like the last one was with the Northerns 4449 and 2101 and the 2-10-4 610.

[@3cs704]

I took a train to see it in Albany, NY in 1975 and I saw it again in Johnson City, NY in 1976.

[@highergroundservices]

I remember the freedom train as an 10 year old boy and Tempe Arizona.

[@kakinokitsune4487]

A few friends of mine help restore SP4449 and the foundation ask one of them to be an engineer since he had retired from the UPRy and another friend painted the stars on the drivers

[@markfrench8892]

The engineer would be Dole McCormick. And he retired from the SP Railroad not the UP.

[@charmilltaco]

I came upsest with 4449 and any steamer in I love toy trains part 12!!!😊

[@TravisCyprien]

Wow very rare to even find this film!!!

[@SteveBottas-b7s]

I went to Bensenville, IL to see this when I was 15.

[@TheIsagregorio]

I was on that train in 1976 in Williamsport, PA.

[@kylehc15]

we need a modern freedom train cause a lot of people dont know our history in america i have to say and this would help sure you could go online and just search but this can bring people together

[@VincesArtDesigns]

Wow! The time, patients, and determination of thousands of people to get this train rolling is incredible!! All just a dream and idea by the one and only, Ross Rowland. Also, John Wayne! John Wayne met Ross many years before on the golden spike limited and told Ross the idea. The rest is history!

[@Bongaboi151]

This...was the original hype train.

[@JeffreyOrnstein]

Great! I was hoping that Terri Garr would walk into the introduction, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, 4449 is still with us, but unfortunately, we can’t say the same for Gary Seven.

[@MililaniJag]

I was expecting Isis! lol

[@secretchannel4747]

Jeffrey Ornstein .. Robert Lansing had a voice especially suited for narration.. he was an excellent actor in the American TV series 12 o’clock High.

[@charlottemace1810]

I went through the train in Detroit in1976

[@danebeck7900]

The only thing I don't like about this video is it made no mention of Jack Holst, the man who saved the SP 4449 by greasing the bearings while it sat outside in the elements for 17 years. He passed away a couple years before the bicentennial and never got to see the train run, but without him the bearings would've rusted and the train would've never run.

[@Delraich444]

I will force my granddaughter to watch this, ty.

[@jackbuckley7816]

Wonderful artifact of the 1976 Bicentennial! I think I remember hearing about this train at the time, as 'I'm sure there were newspaper& magazine articles about it, various ads in publications, TV news segments, etc. Steam locomotives had long-vanished into the nation's past by 1976, most people had never seen one up-close & actually operating. This alone must've thrilled alot of Americans. I wonder if a Freedom Train is possible in today's climate? Could one be created by 2026---in time for the 250th anniversay of our nation's birth? My sense is that it couldn't. There's no consensus on how to interpret U.S history. An effort such as the Freedom Train of 1976 instantly would become politicized, polarizing, & controversial. Sadly, I just don't think it's possible. Probably way too expensive in this day & age, also. I'm very apprehensive about the upcoming 250th, only 2 years away. U.S. history no longer is seen as something to celebrate. It's simply become too divisive.

[@rugerscout308]

I watched the whole thing and about 5 minutes in it occurred to me that I hadn't seen one fat person, not a child or adult. What has happened between 1976 and 2019? The answer is a whole lot and not much of it has been for the better!

[@CSXT8250]

Just know it won't ride anytime soon. Or even if there's a USA left in 2076. Not without getting vandalized by baseball bats, torches, and protesters standing and laying down across the tracks because the news reports that the freedom train is a racist train... while the police and OF COURSE..bloated zeppelins choking on ice cream in hoveround chairs watch and do nothing.

[@ralphmichaelsneed6059]

I seen the train, Boston Ma.

[@MrJacMac1968]

I was 8 when this was coming around.Unfortunately my parents didn’t take me or my sister to see it .I don’t know why.Maybe they didn’t want to wait in a long line.I’m jealous of those who got to see it.I did however ride on an excursion of the SP 4449 back in 1997 from Portland ore to Wishram Wash and back

[@mikemiller209]

The train came through my hometown when i was a 10 yr old kid it left a lasting memory in me unfortunately something like this isn't viable in today's world folks were civilized years ago now animals and communists walk among us to the beat of a different drummer

[@texastrainfan56]

Well apparently in 2026 they are doing another (so they say)

[@johnmarzocchi]

I saw it in Portland, Oregon, and didn't know you could go on it it was a steam train that ran on diesel, not coal at the time I thought it was a private event, and not a public one

[@montysmith6355]

America......with all it,s troubles we deal with you still gotta love it

[@countyboy1322]

If only it were as patriotic as that today.

[@A3Kr0n]

I don't remember the train. Now I need to call my parents and find out why we didn't see it. 🤔 Chances are I did and just don't remember.

[@ParanormalKs]

I saw this in 1976

[@meeofcourse4152]

We DID see the FREEDOM BICENTENNIAL TRAIN

[@mactheknife7049]

Amazing how in two generations we went from revering all this stuff to ****ting all over it.

[@SarahB1863]

More like realizing how much of it was BS.

[@zachjones6072]

@@SarahB1863 it's a little thing called the history of this great country, and the people who have lived,and died for the american dream, and freedom, if you don't like that, why don't you move to China, and then say how much you like socialism, Communism,. Oh wait you can't they won't let you speak your mind

[@charmilltaco]

I love this train so much I made a channel for it it's my child hood Im going to make my own docermery on this I hope to see 4449 and 844 an 4014 soon the rail roads my last ve I hope to make more train vids soon!!!

[@420deanblazing]

Huh whats A docermy?

[@420deanblazing]

Did you mean documentary?

[@cm94returns19]

I learned about the freedom train was supposes to head to providence ri in August of 1976 until hurricane belle ruined its route to get there I bet in 2026 will make its journey there once again if that’s gonna happen?

[@SamanthaGreen-g8r]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ToyInsanity]

I hope Freedom Train 3.0 happens in 2026.

[@bluedragoneyes928]

The BICENT was in 1976 so why did the train run in 1975?

[@irish89055]

Because there was a big run up that even started in 1973 with Bicentennial minutes on the TV with Walter Cronkite et al and by 75 it was really gaining speed...you could get souvenirs leading up to the big day in 76..

[@kidmack3556]

The "run up" for 4/JUL/76! I was bleessed to celebrate at the foot of the Washington Monument at an evening concert.

[@charmilltaco]

I hope cause what we're going well get to see 4449in the freedom train livery soon at a amarcin event soon😃😃

[@Steamer235]

Maybe another can be done...may help soothe the political strife of today.

[@Moltar_Railfan]

Ross Rowland is planning to bring it back for the 250th

[@alexarteaga-caseyjunior5098]

On 16:16 does that locomotive still exist today?

[@HALEdigitalARTS]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_4449 yes

[@Railhog2102]

Yes that one is on display at the B&O museum in the big roundhouse

[@DaveTexas]

Shockingly bad film about a very interesting subject. I saw the train in Houston some time in 1976. Our elementary school classes took a field trip to see it. The one item I remember quite distinctly was the "Dorothy" dress Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz. Other than that, my only real memory of the train was having to wait in line for what felt like a really long time before we could board the train to see the displays. While a good concept for having a traveling "museum" of sorts, the reality was that the design made it far too difficult for large numbers of people to be able to see the displays each day.

[@mercoid]

Secret agent Gary Seven.

[@mark_wangerin]

Thanks for putting your stupid URL and SMPTE time code up during the ENTIRE presentation. It sure make the whole thing so enjoyable to watch. : (

[@TheresOnlyOneWayToRock]

My oh my, how things have changed in 45 years.

[@irish89055]

I love steam engine but not sure why they went to that trouble.. it wasn't totally this guy's idea because a Freedom Train had rolled in the late forties using diesel which I think they should have done then.

[@420deanblazing]

I seen this in portland Maine i was eleven yrs old I thought it was amazing then n it looks so nonamazing seeing it in this day n age.But still a good memory

[@jagboy69]

Now it's all aboard the socialist train. :-/ I was born 60 years too late.

[@Bongaboi151]

Nay. Random hype train.

[@HALEdigitalARTS]

Change it.

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

The Anti-Fascism, Pro-Democracy train to you!!!

[@Tom-pn5sk]

Nothing more than a memory now look at us The communist took over 😭

[@quinnmattern2665]

🤢🤢🤢

[@Moltar_Railfan]

?

[@lestersabados1306]

21..36. Joe xiden .

[@davidrivera9743]

Biden, not OSU or UPenn.

[@lestersabados1306]

And then in Delaware there is grinning Joe Biden. This fossil just ruined my experience here.🤯