Glen Fee: The Freedom Train
The Galveston Railroad Museum is home to the Glen Fee, the only surviving railcar from the original Freedom Train. The Freedom Train exhibit is now on permanent display in the Exhibits Hall, and the railcar itself sits outside on Track #5, where restoration is ongoing.
History of The Freedom Train
The Freedom Train in Galveston
On February 7, 1948, The Freedom Train arrived in Galveston. More than 3,500 people lined up before the depot doors opened to view the nation’s documents of liberty.
The Galveston Daily News headline read “Galveston to Greet Freedom Train Today” and “Tours Begin at 10 o’clock.” The article said 8,000 were expected to view the documents.
Documents of Liberty
A project of the American Heritage Foundation, The Freedom Train traveled across the United States to remind Americans of the liberties nearly taken for granted in post-war America.
Its display cars carried documents and artifacts including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the United States, The Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, the Iwo Jima flag, and the surrender documents that ended World War II.
The Glen Fee Railcar
The Glen Fee was one of three Pullman cars used as living quarters for the 28 U.S. Marines who provided security for The Freedom Train as it traveled cross country.
The Galveston Railroad Museum is home to the only remaining railcar that traveled to all 48 states as part of the first Freedom Train from 1947 to 1949.
Restoration and Exhibit
The Glen Fee’s exterior has been painted in traditional red, white and blue, with the American Eagle prominently displayed on the car. New windows have also been installed.
A fundraising campaign is underway to complete the interior, which will feature documents and U.S. Marine uniforms circa 1945 to 1947.
Restoring the Glen Fee
The Glen Fee’s exterior has been restored in the Freedom Train’s original colors, and new windows have been installed. Interior restoration is ongoing.
Contributions to Glen Fee Heritage Preservation Will Assist With:
- Ventilation
- Paint
- Flooring
- Upholstery
- Electrical Wiring
- Interpretive Exhibit Cases
Our goal is to develop a quality Interpretive Exhibit.
