“Big Boy” Locomotive Visited Macoupin County

By RUTH GILL

Enquirer~Democrat Reporter

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, journeyed on a historic coast-to-coast tour.

On Saturday, July 18, Big Boy traveled through Macoupin County after leaving Springfield at around 11:15 a.m., traveling on the Amtrak route and Union Pacific’s mainline. The famed locomotive arrived in Girard at the Center Street Crossing at around 1 p.m. The locomotive was originally scheduled to be in Girard at noon, but due to delays caused by a northbound Amtrak train and a freight train, it arrived an hour late.

People started lining up at least 2 hours ahead of time at the two different crossings in Girard. They set up their lawn chairs and pop-up tents. People were standing at least 3-4 people deep waiting on the train. Over a thousand people showed up from all over the state and several from other states just to see the historic steam locomotive.

Girard hosted a party on the square called “Steam on the Square” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It was a perfect day to enjoy food from the different food trucks and vendors. At the beer tent, there was live music. Several vendors were present for a unique shopping experience. Different groups set up tents to sell cookies, drinks, and give out information about themselves. Girard Queens, Little Miss Skylar Toppmeyer, and Miss Ella Eldridge were present. They welcomed everyone to the event and kept everyone up to date on the train’s arrival.

Read the full story in the July 23, 2026 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat.