Hauling History to Peoria

Military D7s head to Caterpillar HQ for the 100th Anniversary

Earlier this month, John, Justin, Ryan, and Ross took on a mission that was part road trip, part history lesson — and all heart. The team loaded up two of our World War II-era military D7 Caterpillar tractors and hauled them to Peoria, Illinois to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Caterpillar company.

These machines aren’t just museum pieces — they’re living artifacts of a time when iron, grit, and American ingenuity helped shape the outcome of a global war. Their destination? The headquarters of the company that built them — to take part in a centennial celebration honoring a century of heavy equipment and hard work.

From the careful prep to the long-haul drive, this journey was a proud moment for all of us here at the Earthmoving Legacy Center. It’s not every day you get to return a machine to the very place it was born, 80 years later.

🎥 Check out the video below to see us prepping the machines and sending them off as well as photos from their visit.