03/04/2026
Great Northern #1355
GNR Class H5 "Pacific" (Baldwin)
Project Timeline:
In service from 1909-1955 for the Great Northern Railway. Retired and donated to the city of Sioux City in 1955. On display downtown in front of the Sioux City Auditorium from 1955-1984.
In 1984, the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (a.k.a. Sioux City Railroad Museum) was able to save and acquire the locomotive with the intention bringing it back to life one day. Over time, a full cosmetic restoration was achieved along with many other repairs that would be vital to any future operation.
Until circumstances would allow for further restorative progress, the locomotive became a cornerstone exhibit for the growing museum in addition to its fortunate placement on the National Register.
Eventually, in 2024 a partnership with the American Heartland Railroad Society was established to finish restoring the locomotive back to operational status. However, just as work was set to begin, disaster struck. The museum complex sustained major flooding when the adjacent Big Sioux River rose to unprecedented levels.
However, thanks a resilient, strong-willed group of volunteers and generous community support, work began shortly thereafter once safety concerns were eliminated.
The museum is eternally grateful to have also recently been awarded a large grant from the National Park Service to help with on-going flood recovery efforts. Included in the grant are resources allocated toward restoring the locomotive back to operation, further ensuring future mitigation and mobilization should the threat of another disaster arise.
Today, we continue making progress towards our goal and hope to support the many others with similar journeys along with way.
