Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Santa Fe Caboose #1323

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009

1. Santa Fe Caboose #1323 Marker

Inscription.
The caboose was an office, a lookout, and a home away from home for a train crew.

In the days before automatic air brakes, the engineer signaled the caboose with his whistle when he wanted to slow down or stop. A brakeman would then climb out of the caboose and make his way forward, twisting the brake wheels atop the cars with a stout club. Another brakeman riding in the engine would work his way toward the rear. Once the train stopped, the flagman would walk back to a safe distance behind the railroad cars with lanterns and flags to stop any approaching trains.

Once under way, the trainmen would sit up in the cupola of the caboose and watch for smoke or other signs of trouble.

This 1923 caboose served the Santa Fe Railroad in the southwestern states. The Santa Fe Railroad donated the caboose in 1956.

Erected by Kern County Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 35° 23.524′ N, 119° 1.266′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Chester Avenue. Marker is located at the southern end of Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Southern Pacific Engine #2914 (a few steps from this marker); Southern Pacific Railroad Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Bena Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Scale House and Telephone Booth (within shouting distance of this marker); Haggard House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Flagman’s Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Santa Fe Caboose #1323 and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009

2. Santa Fe Caboose #1323 and Marker

Photos Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

3. Photos Displayed on Marker

Upper Photo:
The Santa Fe Depot located on F Street in Bakersfield, circa 1940s.

Lower Photo:
A Southern Pacific passenger train with caboose crossing Golden State Highway, circa 1950

4. Photos Displayed on Marker

Upper Photo:
Santa Fe Railroad employees, circa 1920

Lower Photo:
Moving the Santa Fe Caboose #1323 to the museum in 1956.

Santa Fe Caboose #1323 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009

5. Santa Fe Caboose #1323

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,607 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.