This post is from Sharon in Circulation, who does a wonderful job each month helping to create and maintain our history display on the second floor of the library.

If you have had an opportunity to wander around the Downtown District in O’Fallon, you may have noticed a little red caboose sitting next to the railroad tracks in front of Wood’s Bakery. And if you’ve wandered by with any children, I guarantee they didn’t miss it. This never ceases to be a draw for my little ones. No matter where we are downtown, they always want to go see the caboose.

Our town of O’Fallon began as the O’Fallon Station railroad stop in 1854. Given the town’s history with railroads, it seems a fitting landmark for the center of the town. Our little caboose has quite the history.  

The caboose, originally owned by Illinois Central, was known as The Illinois Central Caboose. It was built in 1969 in Centralia, Illinois. In 1972, as a part of a railroad merger, the name was changed to the Illinois Central Gulf Caboose. As additional railroad restructuring followed, the caboose was used by Great Western Railroad. Its final journey was with the Kansas City Southern Railroad. At the end of this tour, it was put up for sale. It was purchased in May of 1988 from Golden Railroad Supply, Inc., with the idea of adding to the charm of the town’s railroad corridor and maintaining the railroad theme throughout the downtown. 

Once the caboose arrived in our town, it was set into place on rails that had been specifically constructed for its new home. Before making its final journey, Metro East Industries refurbished the exterior of the car. Upon its arrival to O’Fallon, several groups joined together and worked to spruce up the interior. To help pay the cost, Pet Dairy supplied “Caboose Juice” cherry drink, which was sold at a number of city events. The caboose was dedicated on December 5, 1988.  

If you would like to learn more about our special landmark, please come visit us at the library and check out the History Portal display on the second floor. You can also visit the O’Fallon Historical Museum on West State Street between the hours of 1:00 – 4:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Keep an eye open if you attend any of the events downtown. Once in a while, the caboose is open for visitors, and you will be able to walk through and take a peek at the interior.  

There is a lot more to the story of the little red caboose than I ever imagined.  It has become a bright spot in the downtown area, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Each time I walk over for a visit with my grandchildren, I know I am making memories with them that will keep the story of our caboose alive for years to come.