Train Day

I - LOVE - TRAINS!

So it's only fitting that I let you know that today is National Train Day, a holiday started by Amtrak in 2008 to spread information to the general public about the advantages of rail travel and the history of trains in the United States.

It is held each year on the Saturday closest to May 10th.

National Train Day 2012 marks the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the 'golden spike' was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, forever transforming the face and character of America.

Amtrak will host major events in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles with free live entertainment and activities for both children and adults: interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, and notable private railroad cars - just to name a few!

The major events of National Train Day usually consist of equipment displays in the major stations across the Amtrak system. This includes Acela and Keystone sets in the Northeastern cities, and Superliner cars in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Florida that are used on long distance trains in those regions. In addition, many private cars are also put on display.

Smaller events usually consist of a model train layout from a local club or other train-related items on display.

National Train Day celebrates train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people across America. May 12, 2012, will be the day where train stations and other venues across the country, host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel.

Let your journey begin!

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