What We Know: A familiar piece of Ozark history is getting a new home — and moving it was no small job.
What It Means: The City of Ozark has relocated its iconic red caboose from Finley River Park to the Chadwick Flyer Trailhead near the Ozark Community Center along Jackson Street.
And this isn’t something you just hook to a pickup and tow across town.
The caboose weighs about 50,000 pounds, requiring heavy equipment and cranes to make the move.
The historic train car had been at Finley River Park since 1983. But there’s been one big problem over the years — flooding.
City officials say the Finley River has repeatedly flooded the caboose, with water reaching its roof several times. That raised concerns about its foundation and long-term structural condition.
Ozark Parks and Recreation Director Hayden Pense says getting the caboose out of the floodplain was the most important step toward preserving it.
What’s Next: The new location should also make the landmark more visible. Drivers along Jackson Street, trail users and families visiting the community center will all have a chance to see it.
The move isn’t the end of the project.
City officials say they eventually want to repaint and fully restore the caboose when additional funding becomes available.
(Photo provided by the city of Ozark)