Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” locomotive to make stops in Southeast Arkansas

FORDYCE, Ark. – Union Pacific Railroad’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive is embarking on a highly anticipated “Heartland of America Tour,” with multiple stops planned across Arkansas, including notable visits to Pine Bluff and Kingsland.

The tour, which kicks off on August 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, will see Big Boy No. 4014 traveling through ten states over an eight-week period, concluding in late October. The locomotive, which is one of the largest and most powerful steam engines ever built, will make stops in dozens of communities, offering the public a rare chance to witness this piece of living history.

Arkansas Stops Scheduled

On Friday, September 13, Big Boy No. 4014 will arrive in Jonesboro, Arkansas, after departing from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The locomotive is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 p.m. CT in Piggott, Arkansas, before continuing on to Jonesboro.

The following day, Saturday, September 14, the tour will proceed from Jonesboro to North Little Rock, making stops in Hickory Ridge, Brinkley, and Pine Bluff. The locomotive is expected to arrive at the Pine Bluff Museum Depot at 3:00 p.m. CT and will depart at 3:30 p.m. CT, offering a half-hour window for public viewing.

On Monday, September 16, Big Boy will leave North Little Rock, making its way to Texarkana, Arkansas. Notably, the train will stop in Kingsland, the birthplace of Johnny Cash, arriving at 11:45 a.m. CT and departing at 12:15 p.m. CT. This stop presents a unique opportunity for Arkansas residents to view the locomotive in a setting rich with cultural history.