Union Pacific Railroad's iconic steam locomotive No. 844 arrived in Southern Arizona Thursday to commemorate the state centennial.
No. 844 is the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific and will travel more than 2,900 miles from its base in Wyoming on a 32-day, nine-state tour.
Known as Union Pacific's "Living Legend," the locomotive returned to service in 2005 after an extensive overhaul. It was delivered to Union Pacific in 1944 and placed in freight service in Nebraska in the late 1950s when diesel-electric locomotives took over passenger train duties.
The locomotive was saved from being scrapped in 1960 and kept for special service.
No. 844 will be on display in Tucson today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union Pacific Rail Yard at Silverlake Road and Fairland Stravenue, just south of the Cherrybell Post Office.
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On Saturday, the locomotive will head downtown at 8 a.m. and is scheduled to pull into the Amtrak Depot, 400 E. Toole Ave., at about 8:20 a.m. for about an hour before departing for Picacho.
Go online to upsteam.com for more information and details on the remainder of the locomotive's trip through Arizona.
