The Union Pacific locomotive known as “Big Boy” is back in Green Country for the first time since 2021 as part of the Heartland of America Tour.

The largest steam locomotive in the world is 130 feet long and weighs over a million pounds.

Union Pacific built 25 of these Big Boys exclusively for its railroad operations. The nickname “Big Boy” came from a factory worker who wrote the words in chalk on the first one, and it stuck.

This particular locomotive was delivered to Union Pacific in 1941 before being retired in 1961. After a lengthy restoration process, the Big Boy returned to the track in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Union Pacific is now sending the Big Boy on a multi-state tour, drawing large crowds at every stop, including McAlester, where he is currently based. It departs at 9 a.m. and spectators can continue to gather for a chance to see this remarkable piece of American history as it travels north through Oklahoma.

Here is a list of the upcoming stops for October 14:

1. Muskee at 11am
2. Wagoner at 12:00 (15 minute stop)
3. Claremore at 1:15 p.m
4. Coffeyville, Kansas, at night