Big Boy No. 4014 brought estimated $16-$17 million in revenue to northeastern PA

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Steamtown National Historic Site are celebrating the tremendous success of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 visit to Scranton, an event that captivated tens of thousands of visitors and generated an estimated $16 million to $17 million in economic impact throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

The historic locomotive’s appearance at Steamtown National Historic Site marked one of the region’s largest tourism events in recent years, drawing railroad enthusiasts, families and visitors from across the country to experience the rare opportunity to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. The event was part of Big Boy No. 4014’s nationwide tour commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

“The success of the Big Boy Reunion represents far more than a milestone for Steamtown National Historic Site – it demonstrates what can be achieved when a national park and its gateway community embrace a shared purpose,” said Jeremy Komasz, superintendent of Steamtown National Historic Site. “The Big Boy Reunion demonstrated that when we invest in exceptional visitor experiences through strong partnerships, everyone benefits—the National Park Service, our partners, local businesses, residents, and the gateway communities that welcome millions of visitors to America’s national parks each year.”

The successful visit also highlighted northeastern Pennsylvania’s growing reputation as a destination for heritage tourism and large-scale events, creating opportunities for continued economic growth and increased visibility on a national stage.