The City of Navasota had a few special visitors on Friday afternoon.
Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive, the last in their fleet, towed along Union Pacific engine Bush 4141, as they toured to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. They stopped in Navasota for about 30 minutes to let people take pictures and see the two famous trains.
Navasota Police Chief Shawn Myatt says Navasota was picked as a stop by Union Pacific again because of the way the town handled the Bush funeral last year.
“They (Union Pacific) enjoyed how we handled it. So, they made Navasota a stop. Just with that, how we set up security, the barricades, and how the officers did…it put us on the map for another stop here. So, that is a big deal,” Myatt said.
Myatt says too that Navasota is proud to be part of it.
“We are proud of our heritage. Bringing folks from all around the area to witness this historic event, it is a great deal for us. We are excited to be part of this history,” said Myatt.
The train headed to Bryan, dropping off the Train 4141, before heading to Hearne for its final stop.