COLLEGE STATION, TX — Attention Aggies!
The iconic Union Pacific No. 4141 Engine, will arrive in College Station this spring as a new addition to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
A historical contribution, it served as the lead Bush funeral train from Houston to College Station in Dec. 2018, when the former president was laid to his final rest alongside former First Lady, Barbara Bush.
On Feb 4., the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved leasing two acres to expand the museum, at only $1 per year!
As of now, the George & Barbara Bush Presidential Foundation has multi-million dollar expansion plans.
From a Marine One helicopter exhibit to a locomotive display, these latest additions are coming full-steam ahead Aggieland!
“Texas A&M is proud to host these icons of the Bush presidency,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “We do everything we can to keep alive the memory and accomplishments of this wonderful president and
public servant.”
However, due to security precautions related to the ongoing pandemic, the arrival date of the engine will not be announced.
Indeed, while the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed plans to expand the museum by adding a new meeting space and restaurant; this is not to say, they've been stopped in their tracks completely.
As of Feb 2021., foundation officials are still wanting to complete all these projects in time for the anticipated 100th Anniversary of Bush's birth in 2024.
In 2005 Bush said that if No. 4141 Engine had been around during his presidency, “I might have left Air Force One behind” and ridden the rails more often.
Fun facts! A lifetime train-enthusiast, former President Bush recalled fondly riding and sleeping on trains as a boy. Trains also carried Bush to his service as a naval aviator in World War II, and back home.
“Union Pacific is proud and honored that the UP 4141 is one step closer to being on permanent display at the Bush Library,” said Scott Moore, the Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Union Pacific.
“President Bush’s love of trains is well known and we are pleased that we can be a part of honoring his legacy.