PUTNAM COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) — Thousands of train enthusiasts gathered in northern Putnam County on Saturday for a chance to witness a piece of railroad history as the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 traveled through the area.
Many spectators made the trip to Continental to see the historic steam locomotive as it makes its way to Philadelphia ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration on July 4.
According to first responders, thousands of people converged on Continental Saturday morning, where the locomotive made a whistle stop on its way to Fostoria.
The 4014 is one of only 25 Big Boy steam engines ever produced and the only one still in operation today.
The locomotive is traveling as part of a nationwide tour that includes 50 whistle stops across 10 states, giving rail fans and history enthusiasts an opportunity to see one of the most iconic steam engines ever built.
