Steam Locomotive #2542 was originally manufactured as locomotive #2906 in 1921 in Lima, Ohio. In 1942, its wheel arrangement was changed from 2-10-2 to 4-8-2, and it was redesignated as #2542. It is one of only two surviving 2500 class Paducah rebuilds, named for the square Paducah sand dome atop the boiler, while its sister locomotive, #2500, is in Centralia, Illinois. These locomotives were the largest steam engines in the Illinois Central Railroad fleet and could reach speeds of 85 mph, serving as workhorses in both passenger and freight service for the ICRR. Owned by the City of McComb, #2542 was acquired in 1962 through the efforts of former Mississippi Governor Hugh White, the McComb Junior Auxiliary, and other civic groups. Its home was Edgewood Park until it was relocated on June 21, 2000.
