Salida’s beloved red train caboose will return to its familiar spot at the east end of F Street below S Mountain by early this summer. Its presence has long been celebrated year-round, including being decked with Christmas lights during the winter holiday season.
D&RGW Caboose 0576 awaiting stencil and final details in Silverton, Colorado shop. Photo courtesy City of Salida Department of Public Works
The cheerful rail road caboose, number 0576, harkens back more than a century to when Salida came into being as a railroad town for the D&RGW railroad. The railroad’s tracks, railroad station, and roundhouse were located on the east side of the Arkansas River in Salida.
The caboose was designated a Local Landmark within the City of Salida by the City Council in 2014. In 2019, a Historic Structure Assessment was performed for the Caboose that identified the need for restoration and it was a recipient of a State Historical Fund (SHF) planning grant.
But then, it was determined that to do the proper restoration, it would need to be moved. The following year, architectural documents were prepared to ensure that restoration would be completed in a manner matching historical design elements.
In 2023, the Salida City Council approved the project to restore the caboose to move forward. Even though there are limited contractors to perform this type of historical preservation, the city was able to work with Klinke and Lew Restoration Contractors in Silverton. They are experienced with historical preservation work and agreed to take on the project.
Christmas Mountain USA in Salida with historic caboose in foreground at F Street turnaround. Merrell Bergin photo
As a result, the caboose was temporarily relocated to Silverton, Colorado where work has proceeded. Improvements to the caboose include restoring the roof framing, updating exterior finishes, and reassembling or replicating original truck parts and other ironwork.
The interior has also been restored and the original wood-fired stove, donated to the City by the Margos Brothers, will be reinstalled.
The City of Salida is currently readying the site at the end of F Street for the caboose’s return.
There will be fencing upgrades, site grading, landscaping enhancements, replanting of trees, lighting improvements, relocation of the water fountain, and informational signage, as part of the project.
“We look forward to having a part of our history restored and back for the public to enjoy,” declares Salida Public Works staff.
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