Locomotive Park | Kingman

Locomotive Park – Detailed Overview

Location and Context

Locomotive Park is located at 310 West Beale Street in downtown Kingman, Arizona, along the historic and legendary Route 66 corridor. It sits adjacent to active railroad tracks, making it a prominent landmark that celebrates the city’s longstanding connection to the railroad industry and transportation history.

Central Feature: Santa Fe No. 3759 Steam Locomotive

The centerpiece of Locomotive Park is the Santa Fe No. 3759, a large, beautifully preserved 4-8-4 “Mountain Type” steam locomotive that once served the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF). This particular locomotive is a powerful symbol of early to mid-20th century American railroading.

Manufacture and Service:
Built in 1928 by the renowned Baldwin Locomotive Works, No. 3759 was originally designed to burn coal but was converted to oil fuel in 1941 to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance. It was a high-speed passenger locomotive, primarily hauling trains on the route between Los Angeles and Kansas City, passing through Kingman on its journeys.

Operational History:
During its 20 years of active service, this locomotive logged over 2.5 million miles, often making around ten round trips per month. Kingman served as an important water stop, which was essential for steam locomotives requiring frequent water refills.

Retirement and Donation:
By the early 1950s, steam locomotives were being phased out in favor of diesel engines. No. 3759 was officially retired in 1953. Recognizing Kingman’s historical ties to the railroad, the ATSF Railway donated the locomotive to the city in 1957, where it was preserved as a public monument.

Historic Recognition:
In 1986, the locomotive was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its cultural and technological significance.

Additional Park Features

Railroad Caboose No. 999520:
In 1987, the park expanded its collection with the addition of a colorful caboose, No. 999520, which complements the locomotive exhibit. The caboose provides further insight into train operations and the life of railroad workers.

Interactive Access:
Visitors can climb aboard the locomotive’s cab, where they can see firsthand the engineer’s controls, gauges, and other equipment that powered the train. This hands-on experience offers an immersive window into railroading technology and working conditions during the steam era.

Picnic and Relaxation Areas:
The park is equipped with shaded picnic tables, providing a pleasant spot for visitors to rest, enjoy a meal, or simply soak in the historic atmosphere.

Train Watching:
Because the park is adjacent to an active rail line, guests can often watch modern freight and passenger trains pass by, creating a dynamic contrast between the past and present of rail transportation.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Locomotive Park represents Kingman’s important role as a railroad town that helped connect the American West. The railroad was instrumental in the city’s founding and growth, bringing commerce, people, and culture. The preservation of No. 3759 and the caboose stands as a tribute to the workers who operated the trains and the community that grew around the tracks.

The park’s location on Route 66 ties it further into the broader narrative of American travel and transportation history, bridging the steam rail era with the automobile road trip culture of the mid-20th century.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:
The park is open to the public daily, generally from early morning until late at night, allowing visitors flexible hours for visits. It is easily accessible by vehicle and within walking distance of downtown Kingman attractions.

Nearby Attractions:
Locomotive Park is close to the Powerhouse Visitor Center, the Arizona Route 66 Museum, and several dining options, making it a convenient stop during sightseeing tours.

Free Admission:
There is no charge to visit Locomotive Park, making it an accessible and family-friendly attraction.

Summary

Locomotive Park offers a rich, tactile connection to Kingman’s railroad heritage through the preserved Santa Fe No. 3759 steam locomotive and the accompanying caboose. The park’s interactive features allow visitors to step back into a bygone era of steam railroading, while its setting along Route 66 highlights the city’s dual legacy as both a rail hub and a key stop on America’s most famous highway. The combination of historical significance, hands-on experiences, and scenic location makes Locomotive Park a compelling destination for history buffs, train enthusiasts, families, and travelers alike.