A CSX train commemorating America’s 250th birthday traveled through Alexandria to Washington, D.C. today (June 30).
The train features two America 250 locomotives, two heritage units in original 1827 Baltimore & Ohio colors, and 10 historic executive business cars used for presidential movements, according to CSX. It left Alexandria’s Union Station shortly after 11 a.m., crossing the CSX Long Bridge over the Potomac River and arriving at Union Station in D.C.
“It’s just so exciting to be able to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with CSX and the grand history of trains in the area,” Virginia Railway Express CEO Katie Choe told ALXnow. “We’re thrilled to host them here at our VRE station at Alexandria. It gives us a chance to partner with CSX and with local dignitaries to really show off this gem of a station that we have in the city.”
CSX President and CEO Steve Angel said that the locomotives aren’t headed to a museum.
“They are going into regular service, moving the steel, grain, coal and consumer goods that keep America’s economy moving,” Angel said. “Today, this train is led by our commemorative America locomotives — the 250 and the 2026. They were built here in the United States and painted by our talented team in Waycross, Georgia. I want to thank that team, and everyone across CSX who helped bring these locomotives to life.”
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, who serves on the VRE board of directors, also took the train to D.C.
“I think it’s incredible and fitting that this event is kicking off at the Alexandria train station,” Bagley said. “We really are at the center point of the future of passenger and freight rail in the area, with our improvements to the station itself, eliminating the at-grade crossings, as well as adding the fourth track and replacing the bridges.”
