MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — A restored steam locomotive dating back to 1930 is on a North American tour to celebrate the completion of a transcontinental rail connection from Canada to the U.S., and Mexico. And it made its only stop in North Dakota on April 30.

People in Minot braved the rain to see the 93-year-old steam engine, roll onto Magic City’s downtown train tracks. The train, also known as ‘The Empress’, was built for fast freight and passenger service in Canada

The Empress ran throughout the Great Depression, World War II, and at times, averaged up to 18,000 miles a month. In 30 years, it’s estimated to have run more than 3.5 million miles.

Leaders said the steam engine took several months to restore, but noted that it was worth it, because it’s about to make history.

“This is also a really historic occasion. This is the first time in history that a steam powered passenger train has made a trip covering Canada, the United states, and Mexico in one go around,” said the Senior Manager Heritage Services and Operations and Corporate Historian for CPKC, Adam Meeks. “This is also going to be about a 9,000 mile trip, and we’re pretty sure that that’s going to set a new world record.”

The Empress is leaving Minot Wednesday morning to head to it’s fourth destination in St. Paul, Minnesota, where it will stop at the Union Depot on May 3rd.

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