Smithville in Clay County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad Caboose #3
Quincy Route
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 13, 2025
1. Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad Caboose #3 Marker
The Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad, or the "O.K. Line as it was commonly referred to by the local citizens was part of the early growth of Smithville. The ailroad reached Smithville in 1890. During the early 1900's trains traveling through here brought coal, lumber and supplies to the growing town. As many as seven trains per day came through town, both passenger and freight. The tracks crossed the Little Platte River just across the Park to the north, and came by this spot to the railroad depot which was located south, one block near what is now East Meadow Street. Cattle and stock pens were located nearby and local farmers shipped livestock and dairy products on the railroad. Mail was delivered and the postmaster would meet the daily trains in his horse drawn buggy to pick up the mail sacks. The "O.K. Line operated until 1939 when it was shut down. The last train came through Smithville on August 27, 1939 and the caboose on that train was "Ole Number Three". The caboose you see here is a replica of "Ole Number Three and it has been provided for your enjoyment by the citizens and City Fathers as
this page online
Erected by City of Smithville and Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is August 27, 1939.
Location. 39° 23.236′ N, 94° 34.664′ W. Marker is in Smithville, Missouri, in Clay County. It is on Main Street (County Road DD) east of Smith Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker and caboose are in Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smithville MO 64089, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Missouri River Corridor and in Greater Kansas City. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 9/11 Remembrance Rail
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2025
2. Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad Caboose #3 and Marker
Regarding Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad Caboose #3. The caboose, as stated in the marker as a "replica," is not a replica. Wide-vision steel cabooses were not in use until the 1950s at the earliest. The caboose on display is simply painted to honor the Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad which ran through town until 1939. No issue, however, with an effort to remember local heritage.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2025
3. Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad Caboose #3
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
