Carrizozo in Lincoln County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
End of the Line for the End of a Train
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
1. End of the Line for the End of a Train Marker
A caboose was located at the end of a train for the crew to keep an eye on the whole train from the high windows of the cupola. The caboose also provided a work and living space, with beds, a cook stove, a desk, and even a bathroom for crew members.
In the same way that the advent of long-running diesel engines ended the need for water and service in towns like Carrizozo, advancements in sensors, remote controls, and radios have replaced the need for crew at the rear of the train, and modern railroads no longer use cabooses.
This caboose is here due primarily to the efforts of Sue Stearns & Howard Shanks South Central Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and The Carrizozo Action Team (CAT)
Erected by The United States Forest Service, Sue & Bob Stearns and The Carrizozo Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1998.
Location. 33° 38.743′ N, 105° 52.356′ W. Marker is in Carrizozo, New Mexico
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Carrizozo History (a few steps from this marker); Carrizozo Woman's Club (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo Woman's Club (approx. 0.4 miles away); Carrizozo (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 0.9 miles away); Malpais (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carrizozo.
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
2. The view of the back side of the caboose and marker
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
3. The Caboose
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
