June 16, 2026 - TRA Newswire -

A specially decorated America250 locomotive led a line of BNSF business cars on a journey from the railroad's Alliance Intermodal Facility to Fort Worth Central Station today, as the railway celebrated the U.S.A.'s upcoming milestone. 

Aboard the America250 commemorative locomotive was Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Tan Parker, and other community leaders, hosted by BNSF President Katie Farmer.

The Lieutenant Governor and Farmer delivered remarks at the Fort Worth passenger rail hub, honoring America’s Semiquincentennial and the railroad’s role in shaping the nation.

“For 250 years, America has stood as the world’s shining example of freedom, liberty, and self-determination,” said Patrick. “Without the railroads that helped unite our nation, much of the Texan and American story could not have been written. In Texas, that legacy can be seen in every corner of our state. I am proud to join BNSF in celebrating America’s 250th birthday.”

BNSF’s three new locomotives, carrying numbers 250, 1776 and 2026, feature an exclusive livery ahead of the nation’s Semiquicentennial birthday on July 4, 2026. Locomotive #250 was present at today’s event.

“Few institutions are woven into the American story quite like the railroad,” said Farmer. “From opening the West to powering the nation’s supply chain, BNSF and our 400+ predecessor lines have helped move the goods that feed, clothe, supply and strengthen communities across the country. As these locomotives travel our 32,500 mile network, they will serve as a moving tribute to our nation’s heritage, and to the men and women of Team BNSF who carry that legacy forward every day. We’re proud to showcase one of them here today, and we’re grateful to Lieutenant Governor Patrick for joining us in a moment that reflects both our national heritage and our company’s enduring commitment to America.”

Farmer said "I invited Lieutenant Governor Patrick to attend because he loves trains."

Each BNSF locomotive was specially painted by Mid-America Car, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. The power units feature the nation’s red, white and blue colors and the America250 logo. The locomotives feature a nod to the Preamble to the United States Constitution with the words, “We the People.” The trailing end of the locomotives includes the words “Freedom and Liberty” on either side, with the circle of stars on the tail, paying tribute to the Betsy Ross flag.

These three historic locomotives will travel BNSF’s 32,500-mile rail network for special events, while joining the broader BNSF fleet  as freight moves across their network on a daily basis.  

The railroad noted that "BNSF and its predecessor lines have been an integral part of the nation’s growth and prosperity for many decades, helping open the West and move the goods and supplies Americans need every day. BNSF’s own history started in 1849 with the Aurora Branch Railroad in Illinois. Over the years, nearly 400 rail lines merged or were acquired to become what is today BNSF Railway."

Included in the BNSF family are predecessors like Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q); Great Northern Railway (GN), Northern Pacific Railway (NP), Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway (SP&S), Fort Worth and Denver Railroad (FWD), and the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (SLSF), commonly known as the Frisco. In 1995, Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (ATSF), also known as Santa Fe, joined to become Burlington Northern Santa Fe. BNSF is now America’s largest railroad, operating in 28 states and three Canadian provinces.

Photo credit: BNSF Railway. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick speaking; Texas Senator Tan Parker and BNSF President Katie Farmer pictured.