Locomotive #2579 is a typical example of steam locomotives called "consolidations" that were used by the Southern Pacific Railroad. It worked on many different duties for the Southern Pacific system from the early 20th century well into 1956, even handling passenger trains on rare occasions. At nearly 400,000 pounds and at 71 feet in length, #2579 was utilized for freight on the SP's Portland, Sacramento, Shasta, and Western Divisions. It was retired from steam freight operations in November 1956 and vacated from the active roster of locomotives in May 1957.
Southern Pacific Locomotive #2579 was donated to the City of Klamath Falls on September 8, 1957. Since then, #2579 has been on display in Veterans Memorial Park along the shores of Lake Ewauna, near the junction of Main Street and US97.[1][page needed]