La Crosse Wisconsin USA - Train enthusiasts around the area were transported back to the golden age of steam-powered locomotion as the Empress, a restored steam locomotive, made a stop in La Crosse.
 
The train, belonging to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), started its journey in Calgary, in April and is making its way south of the border to Mexico City.
 
This special visit was not just about reliving the past.
 
It marked a significant moment in modern railway history, the merger of two iconic railroad giants, the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern.
 
This cross-border tour, named the Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour commenced in April.
 
This locomotive, built in December 1930 by the Montreal Locomotive Works, had undergone extensive restoration beginning in 2022, culminating in late 2023 after a series of meticulous test runs.
 
The train came down the Mississippi River from St. Paul where it had stayed since arriving Friday.
 
It crossed the Mississippi River and rolled into La Crosse's Amtrak Depot just before 13:00.
 
It stayed at the depot for a few minutes before continuing its journey east towards the Chicago area.
 
Groups large and small waited along the tracks for a chance to get a glimpse of the train and take a few pictures or videos of a piece of railroad history.
 
Tate Weise.