For many Americans, especially those from Generation X, the memory of the red, white, and blue Freedom Trains evokes strong feelings tied to the bicentennial in 1976. Interestingly, this train, pivotal in celebrating American history, was famously associated with John Wayne. As we near the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, it seems fitting to revive Wayne’s American Freedom Train for this occasion.
Ross Roland, who was instrumental in the American Freedom Train project when he was younger, provides some insight into how Wayne’s ideas came to life. Roland, who left home in the 1950s, had a chance encounter working as Wayne’s groundskeeper. Their friendship blossomed, with Wayne eventually encouraging him to return home. Coming from a family steeped in railroad history, Roland later found success on Wall Street and played a significant role in commemorating the “Golden Spike” of 1869, a key moment in the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion, by moving steam locomotives across the country.
There’s still potential to make the upcoming quarter-millennial celebration a grand event, reminiscent of the bicentennial celebrations. Roland recalls a particularly memorable day when Wayne joined him for the final leg of the Freedom Train journey, right after the premiere of “True Grit” in Salt Lake City. As the train traveled and they waved at the crowds, Roland remembered a poignant exchange with Wayne. While Roland oversaw much of the planning and operations, Wayne benefitted from support by Hollywood figures including Bing Crosby, and even received backing from President Richard Nixon to showcase the train at prominent locations like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress.
The American Freedom Train was a resounding success. Over the course of the bicentennial, the train traveled to all 48 contiguous states, making 138 stops and averaging over 50,000 visitors at each one. Attendees could view a treasure trove of artifacts, from Paul Revere’s saddlebag to a handwritten note by John F. Kennedy, showcasing vital pieces of American heritage.
The Freedom Train effectively linked national and local celebrations throughout the bicentennial. John Warner, who led the bicentennial efforts, referred to the train as the “most visible” part of the celebration, enabling various festivals to connect. President Ford noted that it helped “breed the American story” for the public.
However, as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, concerns grow that the event may become more about condemnation than celebration. The political landscape shifted with President Trump’s election, creating an opportunity for a momentous celebration. Yet, the planning for this anniversary is lagging compared to the preparations made for the bicentennial. Many official planning groups established during the Obama administration appear ineffective, directing their focus on issues related to diversity and inclusion. In response, President Trump established Task Force 250, but time constraints remain a challenge.
On a positive note, the American Freedom Train could be ready to run by early 2026. Rob Gardner, president of the company that operated the train, has restored the locomotive used during the bicentennial, making it primed for action. The real need is granting President Trump access to federal artifacts at prominent institutions like the Smithsonian, allowing them to remind Americans of their rich heritage rather than diminish it. With the right support, everything else could quickly fall into place.
Ultimately, there’s a genuine opportunity to recreate the unified experience of the bicentennial celebration, and the revival of the American Freedom Train could play a crucial role in that effort. Embracing John Wayne’s legacy in this endeavor represents a meaningful tribute to America.
