Texas Returns

The Civil War era Texas locomotive has been restored, and is on the move. Thanks to the support of CSX Transportation during the 16-month restoration, the 1856 steam-powered locomotive was in great condition for its April 28 display at the N.C. Transportation Museum’s 100 Years of Steam event.  

The Texas was part of the Civil War’s iconic Great Locomotive Chase in 1862 and was critical to rebuilding Atlanta during reconstruction. The asset is a piece of CSX history, having been part of the Western & Atlantic Railroad that connected Atlanta and Chattanooga. The Texas will now move back to the Atlanta History Center where it will be featured in the Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building and on display to the public this fall. 

The Texas was just one of the CSX historical assets on display at the 100 Years of Steam event. The showcase of CSX predecessor power also included: 

• The CSX #2702 diesel locomotive, known as “The Spirit of Atlanta,” which is still a part of CSX’s current operations; 
• The Atlantic Coast Line #1031 and Seaboard Air Line #544 steam engines; 
• The Chesapeake & Ohio #8016 and Atlantic Coast Line #501 diesel engines; and
• A pair of double-stack intermodal containers in a well car, which was included to help demonstrate advancements in rail innovation.  

The showcase of CSX predecessor power, from the early steam engines to the more recent diesel locomotives, and the pair of double-stack containers, displayed railroading’s rich history of delivering progress and serving as the backbone of the American economy.