Meyersdale in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What's the Use of a Caboose
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 11, 2022
1. What's the Use of a Caboose Marker
The caboose supported its train crew in several ways.
It carried the conductor, brakeman, and flagman. Cabooses were equipped with a stove for cooking and heating, bunks for rest, and a desk for the conductor's business.
By the 1950s, cabooses became electrified. By the 1960s, steel-bodied cars replaced wooden ones. Today, the caboose has fallen out of use, but the little car at the end of the train remains a beloved American icon.
Did You Know?
Cupolas were added after the Civil War! A lookout post atop the car improved visibility along the train.
(Sidebar):
Caboose #3235 was built for the C&O Railway in April 1969 by the International Car Company of Kenton, Ohio. It entered service at Hinton, West Virginia. Over the years, it sported a few paint schemes. In 2019, it was painted to honor the former Western Maryland Railway.
Erected by Meyersdale Area Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 39° 48.991′ N, 79° 1.272′ W. Marker is in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Western Maryland Railway (a few steps from this marker); Meyersdale (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Meyersdale (a few steps from this marker); Sweetest Place on Earth (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Meyersdale (approx. 0.2 miles away); How Sweet It Is! (approx. Ό mile
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 11, 2022
2. What's the Use of a Caboose Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 11, 2022
3. Caboose #3235
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
