American Freedom Train Celebrated Bicentennial in Wichita 50 Years Ago

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50 years ago, the American Freedom Train, a steam-powered locomotive filled with over 500 historic American artifacts, arrived in Wichita, Kansas for a five-day stop as part of its nationwide tour during the United States Bicentennial celebration. The train featured display cars that visitors could board and view treasures like George Washington's Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, and memorabilia from cultural icons.

Why it matters

The American Freedom Train was one of the most popular cultural events of the 1976 Bicentennial, allowing millions of Americans across the country to experience important pieces of their nation's history up close. Its stop in Wichita was part of a 21-month tour that saw over 7 million visitors nationwide.

The details

The Freedom Train was stationed on the train tracks between Wichita's baseball park, Lawrence Stadium, and McLean Boulevard. Ticket-holders could sit in the stadium stands and wait their turn to board the train and pass through the dozen display cars. The cars featured over 500 historic American artifacts, including George Washington's Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, Judy Garland's dress and ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz", Joe Frazier's boxing trunks, and Martin Luther King's pulpit and robes.

• On March 19, 1976, the American Freedom Train arrived in Wichita for a five-day stop.
• Prior to Wichita, the Freedom Train spent four days in Tulsa.
• After Wichita, the train traveled to Topeka for three days as the tour continued.