Steam locomotive #2355 was built for the Southern Pacific Railroad in October 1912 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia.  Locomotive #2355 is a T-31 Class 4-6-0 built as a dual service locomotive for smaller passenger and freight trains.  A typical use for the 4-6-0, or 10 wheeler, was as commuter train service, as they could accelerate trains to track speed from the many passenger stops. 

The no. 2355 was the third locomotive constructed in a series of nine identical 4-6-0 locomotives for the Southern Pacific Railroad with the Class T-31 designation.  There are two other examples of the T-31 class that survived, the 2352 and 2353, both on exhibit in California.

The no. 2355 operated several million miles during its 45 years of service, until it was relegated to standby service as the Southern Pacific and other railroads were converted to diesel power.  Southern Pacific Railroad retired 2355 in late 1957 and it was set for scrapping when it was given to the City of Mesa for exhibit.  A donation ceremony was held on April 12, 1958.

*from Site Survey, prepared by Steam Operations Corporation